On World Food Day 2026, the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Hurriya Dauda Lawal, revealed that over 150 women farmers would receive farm inputs and cash assistance to raise agricultural output and improve food security across the state. The announcement was made at a ceremony organised by the Nigerian Women for Agriculture Progressive Development Initiative (NWAPDI) held in the Ministry of Agriculture, Gusau.
Key details of the programme include:
- More than 150 female farmers are set to benefit from the distribution of seeds, fertilizers and other essential inputs.
- Each beneficiary will also receive a financial grant to cover planting costs and related expenses.
- The initiative was launched in line with the objectives of World Food Day, a United Nations‑observed event that highlights the importance of ending hunger worldwide.
- Governor Dauda Lawal was praised by the First Lady for his commitment to farmer welfare, with Hurriya stating, "Governor Dauda Lawal’s focus on farmer welfare is commendable."
- Hajiya Shafa’atu Tsafe, the state coordinator of NWAPDI, urged the recipients to use the inputs and funds wisely to maximise their harvests.
What does the assistance entail?
The farm inputs comprise a mix of high‑yield seed varieties and appropriate fertilizer blends tailored to the local soil conditions of Zamfara. The accompanying cash assistance is intended to cover ancillary costs such as labour, irrigation and post‑harvest handling, thereby enabling the women to achieve higher yields and better market access.
Why is the programme significant?
Women constitute a substantial portion of the agricultural workforce in northern Nigeria, yet they often face limited access to credit and quality inputs. By targeting this demographic, the state aims to close the productivity gap, enhance household incomes and contribute to the broader goal of food security in the region.
How will success be measured?
NWAPDI officials plan to monitor crop performance throughout the planting season and compare yields against baseline figures from previous years. The data collected will inform future scaling of the programme and guide policy adjustments.
The distribution ceremony underscored the collaborative effort between the state government, civil society and international observances to empower women in agriculture and strengthen the state's food system.