BY: MUHAMMAD ADAMU ABUBAKAR, KANO
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to boost gum arabic production and dryland agriculture through capacity-building programmes for farmers and associations involved in the gum arabic value chain across northern Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security disclosed that the intervention targeted gum arabic farmers in the Northeast and Northwest regions, including Kano State, as part of broader efforts to improve agricultural productivity, combat desertification and strengthen non-oil exports.
Speaking on the programme, the Desk Officer for Gum Arabic Value Chain at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Gideon Dagunduro, said the ministry had organized capacity-building programmes for gum arabic farmers and associations across the affected regions.
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According to him, the training was designed to improve farmers’ technical knowledge, harvesting methods and value-chain development to enhance productivity and economic returns.
“We have organized capacity building to gum Arabic farmers in Northeast and Northwest and association of gum Arabic farmers,” Dagunduro stated.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government had last year distributed about 25,000 improved gum arabic seedlings to farmers as part of efforts to encourage cultivation and increase production.
The ministry also provided farming inputs and equipment, including harvesting machines, to support farmers and improve efficiency within the sector.
Dagunduro urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the facilities and support provided by the Federal Government.
“Farmers should appropriately use the facilities given to them by the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, effective utilization of the support would improve production, strengthen livelihoods and contribute to economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The official also revealed that the Gum Arabic Farmers Association recently paid a courtesy visit to the Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as part of ongoing engagements aimed at strengthening collaboration between government and stakeholders in the sector.
“As I am talking to you, Gum Arabic Farmers Association have paid a courtesy visit to the Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,” Dagunduro added.
The Federal Government’s intervention aligns with ongoing efforts to promote afforestation, restore degraded lands and tackle climate-related challenges affecting communities in northern Nigeria.
Gum arabic, obtained mainly from acacia trees, is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and manufacturing industries across the world.
Nigeria remains one of the African countries involved in gum arabic production, particularly in semi-arid northern states including Kano, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa and Gombe.
Agricultural experts say the sector has significant potential for employment generation, foreign exchange earnings and environmental protection if properly developed.
The training programme is also connected to broader initiatives being implemented by agencies such as the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, which promotes dryland restoration and climate resilience programmes across northern Nigeria.
Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have continued to call for increased government support, improved access to markets and stronger investment in processing and export development to unlock the full economic potential of gum arabic production in Nigeria.