KATSINA, Nigeria – September 11, 2026
Katsina State Government has launched a $1 million food security initiative designed to protect vulnerable farming communities from the twin threats of floods and drought that have plagued the region in recent years.
The project, titled "Protecting Food Security Against Recurring Floods and Drought," was unveiled in Katsina city by Governor Dikko Radda, who emphasized the urgent need for climate adaptation in northern Nigeria's agrarian economy.
Climate Reality on the Ground
Speaking at the launch event, Governor Radda framed the initiative as a direct response to climate realities already affecting local farmers. "Climate change is a reality. We have no way to hide from it, and we must confront it with all the capacity and ability so that together we can fight it," Radda said.
The project targets three local government areas—Bindawa, Bakori, and Kafur—which state development officials identified as particularly vulnerable based on historical flood and drought data. These communities form part of Katsina's agricultural heartland, where smallholder farmers grow millet, sorghum, maize, and vegetables for subsistence and local markets.
Intervention Design
The project is being implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria in collaboration with the Katsina State Development Management Board (KTDMB) and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Dr. Mustapha Shehu, Executive Secretary of KTDMB, outlined the core components during the launch.
Key interventions include rehabilitation of at least 12 solar-powered water systems to support livestock and farming during the dry season. The project will also train water management committees and local technicians to maintain infrastructure and optimize water use.
Philip Ikita, Programme Manager at Mercy Corps Nigeria, said the intervention was designed to address interconnected challenges including recurring climate shocks, soil erosion, poor storage facilities, and post-harvest losses that compound poverty and food insecurity.
Expansion Plans
Governor Radda directed the Ministry of Environment and Department of Climate Change to assess the intervention for potential scaling. "Our aim is for every local government in the state to benefit from this laudable initiative," he said, asking benefiting communities to provide maximum cooperation.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Malik Anas, described the project as timely given the growing climate risks facing the region. The one-year pilot is funded at $1 million, though specific breakdowns of how much will go to infrastructure versus training were not disclosed.
Wider Context
The launch comes as northern Nigeria faces intensifying climate pressures. Recent data from the Environment Agency and other monitoring bodies indicates that water stress is spreading across agricultural regions, with shallow wells running dry and aquifer recharge slowing due to limited precipitation.
Katsina's government has made agriculture a priority, with previous announcements of investments in irrigation infrastructure, boreholes, and processing facilities. This new project represents the latest attempt to build climate resilience while maintaining food production in one of Nigeria's most populous states.
The intervention is expected to begin implementation immediately, with communities in Bindawa, Bakori, and Kafur being notified of the specific activities planned for each locality.
Source: The Nation Newspaper, September 11, 2026.
FIRAT Editorial Board
Institutional Research Desk · Foresight Institute of Research and Translation
The collective editorial and research translation board of FIRAT, synthesising peer-reviewed evidence, policy briefs, and division milestones across our seven foundational research pillars.
