Jigawa rehabilitates dams to boost irrigation, food security

The Jigawa State government has intensified efforts to boost agricultural production through the rehabilitation of dams in Kazaure and Yakwashi local government areas.

The Director General of the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency, Dr Saifullahi Umar, disclosed this while inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at Dambo and Kuda dams.

He said the aim is to support irrigation farming and enhance food security.

Dr Saifullahi said the projects were initiated by the administration of Governor Umar Namadi as part of measures to expand irrigation farming activities across the state.

According to him, the inspection visit is to assess the quality and level of work being carried out by contractors handling the projects.

He explained that upon completion, the two dams would provide irrigation opportunities on about 500 hectares of farmland, thereby increasing dry-season farming activities in the benefitting communities.

He further stated that no fewer than 15,000 people are expected to benefit directly from the projects, noting that the initiative would improve food production and strengthen food security in Jigawa State.

Speaking during the inspection, the project manager supervising the rehabilitation works, Baffa Imam, assured the government and benefiting communities that the projects would be completed within the stipulated contractual period.

The rehabilitation projects are part of the state government’s broader agricultural transformation agenda aimed at empowering farmers, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring sustainable agricultural development across Jigawa State.