Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
Kano State has launched an innovative training program for 1,000 young residents on transforming rice byproducts into nutritious livestock feed, funded through a partnership between the Islamic Development Bank and Lives and Livelihoods Fund.
The capacity building initiative currently at Audu Bako College of Agriculture in Dambatta, specifically targets youth from rice growing communities to create sustainable livelihoods while addressing agricultural waste challenges.
KSADP State Coordinator Ibrahim Muhammad emphasized the benefits of the program, teaching youth to repurpose rice straw into livestock feed and recycle instead of burning it. The program also aimed at tackling environmental pollution and creating income opportunities.” The project purposes to reduce pastoral conflicts by increasing local fodder availability, potentially minimizing farmer herder clashes associated with cattle migration.
With Kano’s expanding rice production, Muhammad noted most farmers currently burn or underutilize straw residues. “When properly treated with urea, this agricultural waste becomes high quality animal feed that promotes healthy weight gain in livestock,” he explained.
The program plans to establish 200 production clusters near irrigation schemes, equipping youth groups with machinery, materials, and startup grants. Each five-member team will produce and market 500 metric tonnes of treated straw feed during harvest seasons.
The Provost Audi Bako college, Professor Muhammad Wailare expressed pride in hosting the training, which introduces participants to simple yet transformative technologies for agricultural waste management. “This knowledge transfer will foster both economic empowerment and environmentally responsible farming practices,” Wailare stated.
The initiative represents Kano’s commitment to circular agricultural solutions that convert waste to wealth while addressing food security and environmental sustainability challenges.
