Assessment of Sasakawa Africa Association Project in Northern Nigeria and Its Effects on Agricultural Productivity and Rural Livelihoods

Abstract

This study assessed the implementation, effectiveness, and impact of Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) agricultural interventions on smallholder farmers’ productivity, post-harvest management, technology adoption, and livelihoods in Northern Nigeria. The study aimed to document major SAA interventions, examine adoption levels of improved seeds, agronomic practices, and post-harvest innovations, evaluate effects on crop productivity and post-harvest losses, analyze socio-economic outcomes, and identify challenges affecting adoption and sustainability. A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed in Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger and Gombe States in 2025. Quantitative data were collected from 500 smallholder farmers using structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained through 12 Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) and 25 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with extension agents, Community-Based Facilitators (CBFs), and Farmers. Findings revealed high adoption rates for improved seeds (82%) and good agronomic practices (76%), moderate adoption of post-harvest technologies (71%), and lower uptake of mechanization and water management innovations (<45%). Adopters demonstrated significantly higher crop yields for maize (3.4 vs. 2.1 t/ha), rice (4.1 vs. 2.8 t/ha), sorghum (2.5 vs. 1.7 t/ha), and soybean (2.8 vs. 1.9 t/ha) compared to non-adopters (p ≤ 0.05). Post-harvest losses were reduced substantially, particularly through metal silos (26%) and PICS bags (20%). Respondents reported improvements in household income (67%), food security (72%), and market access (59%), though challenges such as high technology costs, limited mechanization, and inadequate extension coverage persisted. The study demonstrates that integrated SAA interventions enhance smallholder productivity, post-harvest management, and livelihoods, highlighting the need for policy support, gender-inclusive programs, youth engagement, and expanded extension services to scale agricultural transformation in Northern Nigeria.