November 12, 2023

From Drought to Abundance: Salahudeen's Irrigation Revolution in Nigeria

Fresh Produce

Nigeria

Salahudeen’s journey from an agribusiness cluster (ABC) coach of the vegetable partnership in 2021 to a thriving entrepreneur in 2022 is a remarkable story of youth inclusion and empowerment in Nigeria. Nigerian youth unemployment is a major challenge and according to the World Bank, the youth unemployment rate in Nigeria was 38.2% in 2020. This means that nearly two out of every five young people in Nigeria are unemployed. As such, Salahudeen’s experience is a testament to the transformative impact of initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young individuals, especially in economically challenging regions.

Salahudeen Jamilu Mansur , a native of Kano in Northwest Nigeria, initially joined the syndicate partnership between VD&S/Royal Blue Contractors and 2SCALE as an ABC coach. To address low vegetable cultivation during the rainy season in northern Nigeria, the partnership introduced hybrid varieties, enabling year-round production. His role was to mobilize and organize farmers into clusters, fostering collaboration and providing them with the necessary resources to succeed. Through this program, he and his colleagues established 500 farmer groups under the partnership in Kano region, focusing on improving agricultural practices and productivity.

Transitioning from a trainee to an Irrigation Service Provider

The real turning point came when the partnership strategically introduced a ground-breaking strategy to combat low-irrigation constraints faced by local farmers during the dry season. These farmers willing to adopt the hybrid variety approach did not have the needed skills to implement sustainable irrigation services during the dry seasons. The strategy aimed at ensuring all-year-round vegetable production by providing in-demand skills on sustainable irrigation farming to youths within the arid region. Salahudeen was amongst the six males and two females interested in receiving training on the installation of solar-powered drip-irrigation systems. This technology would revolutionize farming by enabling the cultivation of crops during dry seasons, significantly boosting agricultural production in Northern Nigeria.

Salahudeen, always eager to learn, seized the opportunity to master this irrigation system. Taking the bull by the horns, he went on to practice it. Recognizing the potential, he decided to transform his newfound knowledge into a business. However, the lack of financial resources posed a significant hurdle.

Despite the challenges, Salahudeen's determination and the support of his Trainer through the provision of irrigation toolkits were instrumental in launching his irrigation services venture. His ability to provide irrigation equipment and services to farmers helped bridge the gap in the local agricultural sector. It was a game-changer, as local farmers were now able to increase their agricultural productivity and income all year round.

The impact of Salahudeen's initiative was profound. Through referrals, he extended his services to various regions in Nigeria, including Ibadan, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, and Abuja, turning him into a national success story. The availability of reliable irrigation systems encouraged many farmers to venture into vegetable farming, significantly increasing the number of participants in the sector.

He excels in delivery, and I have full confidence in his work. Thanks to his services, we achieved a remarkable 27% increase in tomato yields and a 24% boost in sweet pepper production, all without altering our operations or crop varieties. The implementation of the drip method has had a significant impact on our return on investments, resulting in a substantial 31% increase. Our clients and farms are thriving, thanks to Salahudeen's expertise,

said Mr. Franklin Bala, the Head Agronomist of Onida Agri & Aquaculture Solutions, a delighted client of Salahudeen's solar powered drip-irrigation system services. He praised Salahudeen for his amiable competence and was glad to recommend Salahudeen to his colleagues.

Today, Salahudeen's irrigation services business has not only improved his own financial situation but also benefited his family. His ability to earn a stable income has allowed him to support his wife's education, ensuring her academic success. His personal growth from an agribusiness cluster coach to a successful entrepreneur has also made a considerable impact on his community.

Having acquired these skills, my focus is on expanding my own business and training other youths in the region, I plan to extend my mentorship program with the support of a local politician and also help more small-scale farmers to drive economic development the northern region,

Says Salahudeen.

While facing challenges like financial constraints and logistics, Salahudeen's story underscores the significance of opportunities provided to youth through the 2SCALE Programme partnerships. His journey from an ABC coach to a successful irrigation entrepreneur demonstrates the potential for youth to create a meaningful impact when given the right support and guidance.

Salahudeen's ultimate goal is to continue growing his business and eventually pursue a Ph.D. in Irrigation Engineering, ensuring he remains at the forefront of innovation and empowerment in his field. His story is a testament to the power of determination and the positive influence of initiatives that promote youth inclusion in Nigeria's agricultural sector.

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