Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to generating employment opportunities for over 40,000 farmers in the Tsafe local government area. This commitment was underlined during the launch of the distribution of agricultural assets and essential inputs to farmers, organised as part of the ongoing COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus programme sponsored by FADAMA III.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, explained in a statement that the Zamfara state government has allocated funds in the 2024 budget to refurbish nine earth dams in the Tsafe local government area. Governor Lawal highlighted the significance of the Yanwaren Daji Dam in providing sustenance to over two million people annually, emphasising its well-planned drainage system for ensuring clean water availability throughout the Tsafe LGA.
Governor Lawal stated, “Agriculture, which accounts for over 70% of our GDP, remains the backbone of our economy. In recognition of this, our programme is poised to empower 100,000 farmers, who will engage more farmers, across the 14 local government areas with essential farming equipment and seeds over the coming four years.”
He further praised the Tsafe local government area for its agricultural prowess, making a substantial contribution to the GDP of Zamfara State. “Tsafe local government area is legendary for farming and makes a massive contribution to the GDP of Zamfara State. With the flag-off of this programme in this local government area today, we are bringing tremendous opportunities for the farming communities in this industrious local government area. I am confident that this programme will go a long way to boosting our farmers’ productivity, thereby alleviating rural poverty and its associated challenges.”
Governor Lawal also revealed plans to introduce similar intervention projects, such as the integrated entrepreneurship programme in Magazu Town. This initiative will encompass various agro-allied projects, including fisheries, poultry, and livestock fattening, while providing training and starter packs to small-scale businesses in multiple sectors, contributing to economic diversification efforts.
Furthermore, the project aims to address health issues such as malaria through innovative methods like rearing tilapia fish while simultaneously generating substantial income for beneficiaries through various interventions.