NIGERIA: Islamic Farming Project

Training of farmers underway after land secured in Kano State, Nigeria

Our Islamic Farming Project is well underway in the Rano Local Government region of Kano State in Nigeria. Land has been secured by Penny Appeal’s partners; as part of the wider Feed our World programme to train local farmers and orphans on how to farm sustainably and responsibly in their community.

The project will teach 100 beneficiaries on the secured land, they were chosen based on their location, their relative farming skill and their current economic situation. The project will run throughout the year through 4 cycles, by which time it is estimated the full 100 trainees will be trained as proficient farmers.

The training will inform the beneficiaries how to increase the yield of their chosen crop, reduce waste material, and improve the overall livelihoods of the farmers, their dependents and the wider community.

Trainees are being taught about the most cost-effective and nutritious crops they can grow and harmful environmental side effects of modern agricultural methods and how to mitigate them. Lessons will also be held on sustainability of natural resources and how best the farmers can connect with their local marketplace.

As part of the wider project, a canal will be constructed to form part of the training practices, which will later be used to help farm the land. A large water storage tank will also be purchased and installed on the farm to aid irrigation efforts in the dry season.

As part of the project, and in the spirit of teaching younger generations about the importance of a sustainable agriculture initiative, a ‘teach your daughter to farm’ session will take place on the newly working farm site.

Case Study: Zubairu

The Islamic Farming Project’s positive effects are already starting to emerge in Nigeria, previously difficult times have transformed into optimistic smiles as the training and all-round education of the project begins to enlighten beneficiaries, and enables them to provide for their families, local communities and make a profit through sustainable farming practices.

Zubairu, a 40 year-old farmer from Rurum village of Kano State – took part in the first batch of Islamic Farming training hel in January (2017). Zabairu was a landless farmer, thus he was relatively qualified to undertake the programme. He chose to grow watermelons, as he thought there was a strong demand for the fruit in his local community.

During the training, Zabairu learnt how to protect his watermelon crops from pests with organic pesticides; this ensures the yield of his watermelons are favourable, as his crop is protected from common pests. As part of his training, Zabairu was able to keep accurate financial records of his farming activities and related commercial ventures.

Zabairu usually supplements his income by repairing faulty electrical equipment, which is especially useful in the dry season; however, the newly trained farmer is confident he will have a successful harvest this year because of the things he has learned.

He is additionally optimistic because the rains have just arrived, which will reduce his reliance on irrigation methods. Although, if irrigation is needed, an upcoming installation of a solar-powered water pump - which is being imported from Austria - will go some way to allay any lingering fears regarding water shortage.