The Extension System Strengthening Programme is a cornerstone of Jigawa-ATA’s Production and Productivity agenda, aimed at bridging the persistent knowledge and technology gap between research institutions and farmers. This programme redefines agricultural extension in Jigawa State, moving from traditional, supply-driven outreach to a modern, data-enabled, and farmer-centric system that delivers real-time, tailored advisory services to every farming household.
Integrating public extension workers, private advisory service providers, digital tools, and research institutions, Jigawa-ATA’s extension model ensures that farmers not only access innovations but also understand, adopt, and benefit from them for increased productivity, profitability, and resilience.
Jigawa-ATA’s Extension System Strengthening initiative operates through five interconnected components that collectively ensure quality, scale, and sustainability:
Institutional Strengthening: Revitalization of existing extension units within the Jigawa State Ministry of Agriculture and JARDA. Establishment of the Jigawa Extension Coordination Unit (JECU) under Jigawa-ATA for oversight, standardization, and continuous professional development. Collaboration with tertiary and research institutions for curriculum development and certification of extension officers.
Capacity Building and Certification: Continuous professional training in areas such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), climate-smart agriculture, irrigation management, and digital literacy. Certification and accreditation of private extension providers to maintain service quality and accountability. Development of a digital performance dashboard to monitor and evaluate extension agent effectiveness in real-time.
Digital Extension Services: Deployment of mobile-based advisory platforms where farmers can access agronomic tips, pest and disease alerts, and market information in Hausa and English languages. Integration with the Jigawa Farmer Information System (JiFIS) to generate data-driven recommendations based on location, crop type, and soil condition. Use of interactive voice response (IVR) and SMS services for farmers without internet access.
Farmer Field Schools and Demonstration Plots: Establishment of model farms in each LGA to serve as practical training centers for farmers. Facilitation of field days, hands-on demonstrations, and learning exchange visits among clusters and cooperatives. Partnerships with research institutes to test and validate improved crop varieties and agronomic practices.
Public–Private Partnerships in Extension: Engagement of agribusinesses, NGOs, and agri-tech startups as Extension Service Providers (ESPs) to deliver specialized training on mechanization, input use, processing, and market linkage. Development of performance-based contracts to ensure accountability and measurable impact. Encouragement of youth-led agri-advisory enterprises through innovation grants and incubation support.
Over 1,000 trained and certified extension agents deployed across 27 LGAs.
Establishment of at least one Farmer Field School per LGA for hands-on learning and demonstrations.
60% increase in farmer adoption rate of improved technologies and climate-smart practices.
Enhanced farmer access to advisory services through digital platforms and helplines.
Creation of new rural employment opportunities for youth as digital and field extension providers.