The Kwara State Government has strengthened its partnership with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and other agricultural stakeholders to promote mechanised farming, environmental sustainability and women inclusion across the state.

The renewed commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Kwara State chapter of AFAN to the Kwara State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (KWACReSAL) office in Ilorin.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Communication Officer of KWACReSAL, Okanlawon Taiwo.

Speaking during the meeting, the State Project Coordinator of KWACReSAL, Shamsideen Aregbe, assured farmers of the government’s continued support towards improving food production and climate-smart agriculture.

“Tractorisation remains a critical component of modern agriculture. Access to farming equipment is essential for increasing productivity and addressing food security challenges across the state,” Aregbe said.

He explained that the tractor support initiative introduced last year was part of a World Bank-backed intervention and a presidential directive aimed at expanding mechanised farming among local farmers.

Aregbe acknowledged concerns over operational challenges affecting some tractors, adding that efforts were ongoing to assess the condition of the equipment to ensure effective deployment.

“We must sustain engagement with farming communities, particularly in addressing challenges relating to flooding, agricultural logistics and food security,” he added.

The project coordinator also stressed the importance of women’s participation in agriculture, describing gender inclusion as essential to the sector’s development.

“The inclusion of women is not negotiable. We must continue to encourage and support women to actively participate in agricultural programmes and leadership processes,” he stated.

Earlier, the Chairman of AFAN in Kwara State, Shuaib Ajibola, commended KWACReSAL for its interventions in the agricultural sector and pledged the association’s support for programmes aimed at improving farmers’ welfare and environmental sustainability.

Ajibola disclosed that the association planned to organise an agricultural expo and stakeholder engagement programme across the state as part of efforts to reconnect with farmers and strengthen agricultural outreach.

He also raised concerns over land use disputes affecting farming communities, warning that unresolved agrarian issues could threaten peaceful farming activities.

“There is a need for sustained stakeholder dialogue and engagement to resolve disputes and ensure peaceful farming activities across communities,” he said.

Also speaking, the Project Coordinator of AFAM, AbdulRahman Babatunde, praised KWACReSAL for providing agricultural inputs and mechanised support to farmers.

“ACReSAL provided 100 per cent agricultural inputs to participating farmers last year, and beneficiaries across communities can testify to the positive impact of the intervention,” he said.

The AFAM Women Leader, Sherifat Ibrahim, called for more empowerment and technical training opportunities for women involved in farming activities.

“There is a need for gender-friendly operational systems and practical training that will make tractor handling easier and more accessible for women and young learners,” she stated.

The Environmental Safeguards Officer of KWACReSAL, Abubakar Mohammed, also reaffirmed the project’s commitment to gender equality and effective grievance management across its programmes.

The collaboration comes amid renewed efforts by the Kwara State Government to improve food production and expand climate-resilient agriculture through partnerships with farmer associations and development agencies.