Centre For Dryland Agriculture

CDA Distributes 2.85 Tonnes of Improved Seeds to Farmers, Showcases Innovations at 4th Open Day

The Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano, has distributed 2.85 tonnes of improved seed varieties to farmers from 22 adopted communities and 5 other seed producing communities as part of efforts to boost food production, strengthen livelihoods, and enhance climate resilience in Northern Nigeria.
The distribution took place during the Centre's 4th Open Day held on Tuesday, 9th June, 2026, an annual event that brings together farmers, policymakers, researchers, development partners, agro-industrial firms, and other stakeholders to showcase innovations, share knowledge, and strengthen collaboration in agricultural development.
The improved seeds distributed included cowpea, maize, millet, sorghum, soybean, and rice. In addition to farmers from the adopted communities, junior staff from the Faculties of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, as well as the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, also benefited from the intervention aimed at promoting household food production.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Haruna Musa, fsi, described the Open Day as a strategic platform that bridges the gap between research and practice by connecting scientists, farmers, policymakers, and private-sector actors.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Ahmad Muhammad Tsauni, the Vice-Chancellor said the event provided opportunities for stakeholders to exchange ideas, identify emerging challenges, and develop practical solutions capable of improving agricultural productivity, food security, and sustainable development across Africa.
He noted that Bayero University remains proud of the achievements of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, which has established itself as a leading hub for research, innovation, capacity building, and technology transfer in dryland agriculture under the Africa Centres of Excellence initiative.
According to him, the Centre's research on improved crop varieties, climate-smart agriculture, soil health management, sustainable farming systems, and agricultural value chains continues to generate solutions capable of transforming agriculture in dryland regions.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Professor Sanusi Gaya Mohammed, said the Open Day offers a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the impact of the Centre's research and strengthen the connection between scientific discoveries and practical solutions that improve the lives of farmers and rural communities.
"We are pleased to sustain this tradition through the distribution of improved seeds to farmers from our adopted communities. This intervention is designed to increase agricultural productivity, improve household incomes, strengthen food systems, and enhance the ability of farming communities to cope with the effects of climate variability and climate change," he said.
Professor Mohammed emphasized that addressing food insecurity and agricultural challenges requires collective action, adding that the Centre remains committed to building strategic partnerships with local and international organizations working to advance agricultural development and food security.
The event attracted several key development partners and stakeholders, including the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Indorama Fertilizer Company, and the Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), all of whom delivered goodwill messages.
A major highlight of the Open Day was the research and innovation exhibition, where agro-allied companies showcased a wide range of agricultural products, technologies, and services. Participating exhibitors included Jubaili Agrotec, Premier Seeds, Afri-Agri Products Limited, Halilco Foods, Syngenta, Nina's Associates, and several others.
L'Excellence, the agribusiness company established by the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, also displayed a variety of farm produce, including mangoes, onions, tomatoes, and other agricultural products, demonstrating the Centre's commitment to research commercialization and sustainability.
Farmers who benefited from the seed distribution expressed appreciation to the Centre, noting that CDA's interventions have consistently improved their farming practices through practical training, access to improved seed varieties, and modern agricultural techniques. According to them, the support has significantly increased productivity, improved yields, and strengthened food security within their communities.
Another highlight of the event was the distribution of agricultural inputs by the YAS Project to its graduating beneficiaries, all of whom are students of the Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano. The initiative is aimed at promoting agribusiness entrepreneurship among young people and empowering graduates with the resources needed to establish and sustain agricultural enterprises.

The countdown is officially ON!

Only 2 days to go until the iconic 4th CDA Open Day!

Join us this Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 9:00 AM as we bring together an incredible lineup of researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and inspiring women and youth farmers.

Don't miss out on the ultimate gathering of innovation and collaboration. See you there!

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ACE Impact wacci Association of African Universities ICRISAT International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Join Us at the 4th CDA Open Day & Research Exhibition!

Are you a farmer, researcher, agribusiness owner, development partner, policymaker, student, or agriculture enthusiast?
Don't miss the 4th Open Day and Research Exhibition of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano!

📅 Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 a.m.
📍 Venue: CDA Premises, New Campus, Bayero University, Kano

Discover cutting-edge research and innovations transforming agriculture in dryland regions.

Network with researchers, farmers, industry leaders, government agencies, and development partners.

Showcase and explore agricultural products, technologies, and services through exciting exhibitions by industry partners.

Special Highlight: CDA will distribute improved, high-quality crop seeds to farmers as part of its efforts to boost agricultural productivity and food security.

Whether you are looking for knowledge, partnerships, innovation, or opportunities, this is the place to be!

Tag a farmer, researcher, agribusiness owner, or agriculture enthusiast who should attend.

fans ACE Impact Association of African Universities ICRISAT IITA Youth Agripreneurs Abuja AREWA24 BBC Hausa Himma Radio TV 91.1 FM Kano Ace-sped Unn Acetel NOUN wacci

CDA, HortiNigeria, YAS-IITA Empower 63 Youths with Climate-Smart Horticulture Skills.

The Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University Kano, in collaboration with HortiNigeria and the YAS Project of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has graduated 63 young agripreneurs after intensive hands-on training in climate-smart horticulture production and agribusiness development.

The beneficiaries, comprising 42 males and 21 females, received practical training in tomato, onion, cucumber and pepper production, irrigation management, post-harvest handling, value addition and agribusiness management. The trainees were also provided with farmland, mentorship, starter packs and market linkages to support sustainable agribusiness ventures.

Director of CDA, Professor Sanusi Gaya Mohammed, said the programme was designed to equip young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to address unemployment, food insecurity and poverty through modern agriculture.

He noted that the participants successfully cultivated and marketed their produce, demonstrating the profitability and sustainability of agriculture when approached scientifically.

Representing the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Professor Amina Mustapha, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Development commended the partnership between CDA, HortiNigeria and YAS, urging the graduates to become employers of labour, innovators and ambassadors of sustainable agriculture.

CDA Hosts Stakeholders on Dryland Crops Advancement and Planning

Centre for Dryland Agriculture is hosting a two-day Product Advancement and Planning Committee meeting in collaboration with the Lake Chad Research Institute, Maiduguri, and the Institute for Agricultural Research, Samaru, under the framework of the Dryland Crops Project.

The meeting, which commenced on Tuesday, 13th May, 2026, is aimed at reviewing progress made since the last Project Development Team session and taking critical decisions on the best-performing crop varieties emerging from the late-stage gate trials for possible advancement and release.
The programme brought together researchers, seed companies, processors, development partners, and farmers to deliberate on key issues affecting dryland cereal and legume crops, particularly sorghum, millet, and groundnut.

Welcoming participants to the meeting, the Director of CDA, Professor Sanusi Gaya Mohammed, expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute significantly toward strengthening agricultural productivity, food security, and the development of climate-resilient crop varieties suitable for dryland farming systems.
Goodwill remarks were also delivered by Rekiya Abdulmalik of NARS, the Country Representative of International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Ignatius Angarawai, representative of International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Dr. Doris Puozaa, Managing Director of Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), Faruk Kurawa, and the Managing Director of Dala Foods, Alhaji Ali Madugu, mni.
The meeting is expected to end on Wednesday, 14th May, 2026.