As Africa’s agricultural sector grapples with challenges that hinder economic growth, poverty reduction, and food security, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has developed a transformative strategy for 2026-2030.
This new roadmap builds on lessons learned from its previous strategy (2021-2025) and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agricultural ecosystem across the continent.
The deputy country director of SAA, Dr. Gambo Abdulhamid announced the new strategy during the 2025 Annual Stakeholder Workshop organised by SAA Nigeria. Themed “Transforming the Agricultural Landscape through Digital Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services,” the event was held in Abuja and brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Abdulhamid emphasised that Africa’s agricultural ecosystem requires holistic, integrated approaches to address both its challenges and opportunities.
“The context reflects the need for multidimensional strategies to support smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, rural entrepreneurs, and agricultural communities in achieving long-term productivity, sustainability, and economic growth,” he said.
According to him, the vision and mission of the new strategy are centered on agro-industrialisation, climate-smart agriculture and digital transformation to empower farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
The key focus areas of the 2026-2030 strategy include:
– Regenerative agriculture & climate resilience: Promoting sustainable farming practices and climate adaptation strategies.
– Market-oriented agriculture: Strengthening value chains and improving market access for smallholder farmers.
– Nutrition-sensitive agriculture: Enhancing food security and mainstreaming gender inclusion in nutrition programmes.
– Youth & gender inclusion: Empowering young people and promoting gender equality in agricultural initiatives.
– Digital agriculture & extension: Leveraging technology to improve farming methods, advisory services, and rural outreach.
– Capacity building & policy engagement: Strengthening partnerships and advocating for food and nutrition security policies.
At the workshop, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening its partnership with SAA to boost agricultural development in the state.
“Agriculture is crucial to Nasarawa, with over 60 per cent% of our population engaged in farming. While the state is also rich in minerals, we are still working to harness those resources fully. Our partnership with Sasakawa has been invaluable and we will continue to work closely with them. I can assure you that in Nasarawa State, you have a partner,” he said.
The governor commended SAA’s establishment of two rice value chain development centers in the state, which have revolutionised rice production, processing, and marketing. He also praised the organisation’s emphasis on digital extension services and climate-smart technologies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
President of SAA, Dr. Makoto Kitanaka reiterated the organisation’s commitment to working with farmers, governments, and stakeholders to achieve a food-secure Africa. He emphasised that digital innovation would play a critical role in transforming agriculture.
SAA Nigeria’s country director, Dr. Godwin Atser also highlighted how digital solutions are revolutionising agricultural extension and advisory services, bridging knowledge gaps and empowering stakeholders.
“Digital tools are bridging gaps, empowering stakeholders and ensuring critical knowledge reaches those who need it most. Whether in agriculture, health, education, or business, digital technologies enable real-time, data-driven support, which is essential for improving decision-making and productivity,” he stated.
Atser emphasised that collaboration is key to making digital extension services effective, as diverse stakeholders – including policymakers, industry leaders, farmers and researchers – must work together to ensure inclusive and impactful solutions.
The workshop brought together a broad range of stakeholders from government agencies, agricultural development programmes, educational institutions and farmer organisations.
As part of the event, excellence awards in agricultural development were presented to the governments of Nasarawa, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano States. Former country director of AGRA Nigeria, Dr. Kehinde Makinde was also recognised for his contributions to the sector.
During discussions on lessons learned, Michelle Shongo, a representative of Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture (NSA), shared insights on NSA’s efforts to promote food safety and nutrition in rural communities.
She noted that NSA targeted 20 communities for food nutrition education and sensitisation, achieving significant milestones in food safety awareness, improved processing techniques, and fortification training for women.
“Out of the 100 women we aimed to train, 75 completed fortification training, helping them improve food safety and processing techniques,” she said.
Shongo further explained that NSA is committed to increasing nutritious food production in cassava, maize, rice and sweet potato value chains while ensuring better nutrition for consumers.
With the unveiling of SAA’s bold new strategy, African agriculture is set for a major transformation, one that prioritises climate resilience, digital innovation and inclusive market systems.
As stakeholders rally around this new vision, SAA’s 2026-2030 strategy could serve as a model for agricultural transformation across Africa, ensuring that farmers, agribusinesses and rural entrepreneurs thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
