Smarter Irrigation Boosts Yields and Hope for Farmers

In Nigeria, where unpredictable weather has long made farming uncertain, new irrigation systems are transforming agriculture and helping farmers thrive.

“Women are actively involved now. You can see this lane of rice… we are going to make some good money from it,” said farmer and deputy leader of women’s group Hajiya Ramatu, who expanded her farmland from 22 to 37 hectares thanks to improved irrigation.

Supported by the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, modernised systems now supply reliable water to 43,400 hectares of farmland, enough to feed a million people. In northern states like Kano and Jigawa, rice yields have more than doubled, roads have been repaired, and 800 local Water Users’ Associations are managing resources sustainably. With plans to irrigate 500,000 hectares by 2030, Nigeria is charting a path toward enhanced food security and a more robust rural economy for future generations.