Kano State’s investment in the 3,740-acre Dansoshiya Irrigation Infrastructure is expected to strengthen food security in the state and across Nigeria by enabling year-round farming, increasing crop yields and reducing farmers’ dependence on increasingly unpredictable rainfall.

Located in Kiru Local Government Area, the irrigation scheme is designed to support farming across three cropping seasons each year, a development expected to boost agricultural productivity, raise farmers’ incomes and help stabilise food supplies at a time when rising food prices and climate change continue to threaten agricultural production nationwide.

Ibrahim Adam, Special Adviser to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Social Media, disclosed the progress of the project in a statement on Wednesday, saying construction is advancing steadily as the state government intensifies efforts to position agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and rural development.

According to Adam, major civil engineering works are underway at the project site, with the dam area almost completely cleared and trench excavation already in progress ahead of earth dam filling.

He said the dam embankment has been established, while construction of the 14-kilometre access road approved by Abba Kabir Yusuf is progressing to improve access to the irrigation facility and surrounding farming communities.

Adam added that excavation of irrigation canals and connecting roads linking the dam to the irrigation fields is also advancing, laying the foundation for efficient water distribution across the scheme.

He explained that the project will be supported by the Dansoshiya Dam, which has a storage capacity of about three billion cubic litres of water, providing a reliable and sustainable water supply for irrigation throughout the year, including the dry season.

“The project will create jobs, increase farmers’ incomes, promote year-round food production and further strengthen Kano State’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural centres,” Adam said.

He noted that the irrigation scheme would unlock significant agricultural potential in Kano South by expanding irrigated farming, increasing crop output and improving the livelihoods of thousands of farming households.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Kano’s economy, with millions of residents depending directly or indirectly on crop production, livestock farming, agro-processing and agricultural trade.

However, the sector continues to face challenges arising from erratic rainfall, climate change, land degradation and inadequate irrigation infrastructure.

Saidu Ahmed, an agricultural expert, said expanding irrigation is one of the most effective ways to increase food production, reduce post-harvest losses and ensure stable agricultural output throughout the year.

He noted that Nigeria’s agricultural sector has also come under pressure from persistent food inflation, insecurity affecting farming communities in parts of the country and changing weather patterns that have disrupted traditional farming calendars. Consequently, governments at both the federal and state levels have increased investments in irrigation infrastructure to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.

Kano, historically one of Nigeria’s leading producers of rice, wheat, maize, tomatoes, onions and other staple crops, has continued to prioritise irrigation as part of efforts to sustain its position as a major food-producing state.

Since assuming office, Abba Kabir Yusuf has identified agriculture as one of the pillars of his administration’s development agenda, with commitments to expand irrigation facilities, rehabilitate rural infrastructure, promote agricultural mechanisation and provide greater support for farmers.

Analysts say the Dansoshiya Irrigation Infrastructure could enhance climate resilience by guaranteeing farmers access to water throughout the year, increasing cropping intensity and reducing the risks associated with irregular rainfall.

Beyond its agricultural benefits, the project is expected to stimulate economic activity in Kiru Local Government Area and neighbouring communities through increased transportation, agro-processing, produce marketing and other agricultural value-chain activities.

The ongoing construction of the access road is also expected to ease the movement of farm inputs, machinery and harvested produce, improving connectivity between rural farming communities and major markets.

Stakeholders believe that the availability of reliable irrigation infrastructure will encourage greater private investment in commercial agriculture, create employment opportunities for young people and contribute to Kano’s broader economic development.

With construction progressing on the dam, access roads and irrigation canal network, the Kano State Government says the Dansoshiya Irrigation Infrastructure remains on course to support sustainable agricultural development, strengthen food security and improve the livelihoods of farming communities across Kano South.