In Kano State, Northern Nigeria, two farmers are working in very different ways. One harnesses the sun. The other mixes what many would overlook as waste into a powerful solution.
They might not know each other, but they share a common objective: adapting to climate change and securing their future.
“Now I have relief in accessing water for farming when I want.”
On the outskirts of the Danhassan community in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria, Abdullahi stands beside a quiet yet powerful system—a solar-powered irrigation pump that feeds his rice and sugarcane farm.
Abdullahi can be seen here preparing his rice farm for the irrigation flow
Abdullahi has been in the farming business for over ten years. Previously, his harvest had been jeopardised by the high cost of inputs, including irrigation costs. As a result, his income was affected.
“Now I spend only 2,500 NGN to rent the solar-powered pump for a day”. For Abdullahi, this is a huge relief compared to about 8,500 NGN required to rent and fuel a fuel-powered irrigation pump.
Today, water flows steadily across his farm, even in the dry season. With solar-powered irrigation, Abdullahi has broken free from the high cost of fuel-powered irrigation.
“I don’t worry about the cost of fuel anymore. I don’t wait for rain. I farm when I want.”
With increased yields and multiple planting cycles, Abdullahi’s farm is no longer just surviving; it is growing, increasing his income and improving his climate resilience.
Turning waste to wealth
“I stopped buying fertiliser — and my farm is looking promising already.”
In Barkin Laraba community of Samaila LGA of Kano State, Lydia looks over a drum filled with liquid fertiliser, appreciating a mixture she prepared herself.
It is made from simple, locally available materials — compost and chicken manure — transformed into what farmers now call “chicken manure soup.”
For years, Lydia struggled with rising fertiliser costs and declining soil fertility.
“I was spending more money every season, but my yield was not improving,” she says.
After attending a training organised by Decapolis with support from Propcom+ and adopting this organic soil regeneration practice, everything changed.
“My soil is better now. My crops are stronger. And I don’t spend like before.”
Farmers around her have begun to take notice. What started as a personal trial is now spreading; a low-cost, climate-smart solution that works.
Lydia (right) training women on the production of chicken manure soup in Samaila LGA of Kano State, Nigeria
“I have made some extra cash from selling this organic compost, and all my customers are grateful for the improvements they are seeing on their farms”.
Her expertise is also sought after, and she now provides training to other women in her community.
One System, One Direction
Though their approaches differ, Abdullahi and Lydia are part of something bigger.
- Water security through solar irrigation
- Soil regeneration through organic practices
Together, they represent a system of solutions — one that addresses the key pressures of climate change:
- Unpredictable rainfall
- Soil degradation
- Rising input costs
These are not isolated success stories. They are proof that when the right models, technologies, and partnerships come together, farmers can adapt, grow, and thrive, even in the face of climate uncertainty.
From Possibility to Reality
Our goal is to see more smallholder farmers across Nigeria adopt these approaches, not because they are told to, but because they see the results.
“Seeing is believing,” one farmer in Barkin Laraba says.
And what they are seeing is powerful:
- More consistent production
- Lower costs
- Higher incomes
- Greater confidence in the future
A New Kind of Farming
Climate change is often described as a global crisis. But on the ground, it is being tackled one farm at a time, thanks to the UK Government’s support through Propcom+.
Through innovation, adaptation, and determination, farmers like Jubrin and Lydia are showing that resilience is not just an idea; it is something you can build.
Two farmers. Two solutions. One shared outcome: a more resilient, productive, and climate-smart future.
