Kano, EU Deepen Ties on Agriculture and Livestock Development

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has restated his administration’s plan to expand cooperation with international partners to grow agriculture and the economy.

He spoke on Wednesday while receiving a European Union delegation, including officials from the EU-VACE Agriculture Value Chain Facility and the Transformative Agriculture Systems for Rural Economic Development programme, at the Government House in Kano. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, confirmed this in a statement.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Sulaiman Wali Sani, the governor said the visit supports ongoing efforts to improve agriculture and food security. He noted that the state has created a Ministry of Livestock Development to strengthen the sector.

Yusuf said the government is introducing measures to modernise livestock production, including artificial insemination, use of modern equipment, and support for farmers across the value chain. He added that steps are also being taken to control animal diseases and protect farmers.

The governor said the livestock sector can create jobs, support women and youths, and reduce poverty. He added that the state is working to attract investment, improve market access, and grow agribusiness.

He expressed confidence that collaboration with the EU would bring technical support, encourage innovation, and improve market links for farmers and businesses.

EU Representative to Nigeria, Hugh Briggs, said the union values its partnership with Kano because of its role in food production. He said EU support focuses on climate-smart agriculture, food security, investment, and innovation to help farmers increase output and access markets.

He added that the EU is working to address climate challenges and low investment while supporting farmers, especially women and youths.

Also speaking, Dr Andrea Ruedigar of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit said Germany is running more than 30 development projects in Nigeria, with five in Kano. She said the projects cover dairy, tomatoes, ginger, and cocoa, and aim to improve production, reduce losses, and attract private investment.

Kano State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Aliyu Isah Aliyu, said partnerships with development agencies are key to improving agriculture and livestock production in the state.