The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), in partnership with the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP), have launched a training programme for 1,000 youths on utilizing rice straw, primarily as livestock feed.
KSADP State Project Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, in a statement issued by the Project’s Communication Specialist, Ameen Kabeer Yassar, said the training, which started at Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta aims to create jobs and new income streams.
He emphasized that beneficiaries were selected mainly from rice-producing communities across Kano State.
“This training is crucial for sustainable agriculture and economic opportunity,” Muhammad stated. “Teaching youths to use rice straw for composting or livestock feed – instead of burning it – reduces pollution and boosts incomes.”
He stated that “Increased local feed availability from rice fields will minimize nomadism, which sometimes fuels security issues. This initiative can improve relations between farmers and herdsmen in Kano.”
Muhammad explained that “Kano’s rice production is rising, but straw utilization remains low. Farmers often burn it for land prep or use it for thatching. However, treating rice straw with urea creates valuable livestock feed that supports weight gain.”
He added that KSADP plans concrete action: “We will establish 200 production hubs near irrigation schemes,” Muhammad detailed. “Each hub will receive grant/credit support for machines, materials, and transport to produce and sell urea-treated straw feed. Machines are already procured.”
He outlined targets: “During harvest, each group of five youths is expected to produce and sell 500 metric tonnes of feed. This will significantly increase crop residue availability for livestock statewide.”
Prof. Muhammad Wailare, Provost of Audu Bako College of Agriculture, expressed pride in co-hosting the training. He confirmed that beneficiaries would learn simple rice straw utilization technologies that promote sustainable farming, reduce pollution, and generate income.
