Alhaji Sani Danladi Yadakwari, a 54-year-old father from Garun Malam Local Government Area in Kano State, Nigeria, has dedicated over 40 years to farming, a passion that has shaped his life.
With a higher national diploma in electrical and electronics, he ventured into farming with a commitment that led him to serve as the national secretary of the National Tomato Producers Association of Nigeria (NATPAN). In this role, Alhaji Sani represents the interests of approximately 35,000 farmers in Kano and an extensive network of over 300,000 farmers across the country.
In 2024, Alhaji Sani participated in a learning event in Abeokuta, Ogun State, organized by the HortiNigeria program. The event offered him a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge advancements in horticulture. A highlight of the event was a visit to the Soilless Farm Lab, also known as Eupepsia Place, where he explored various agricultural technologies, such as greenhouses, biogas production, park houses, and cold storage facilities.
“HortiNigeria is doing a great job equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for transformation in agriculture.”
Alhaji Sani Danladi Yadakwari
These sustainable solutions inspired new possibilities for his community in Kano State. The presence of young participants at the event and the visit deeply resonated with Alhaji Sani.
Recognizing them as the future of the agriculture sector, he noted, “HortiNigeria is doing a great job equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for transformation in agriculture.”
Reflecting on the learning event, Alhaji Sani is now determined to replicate the insights and innovations, targeting 10 youth in his home state to help replicate the innovations in Kano through collaboration with the Soilless Farm Lab. He plans to implement what he learned to improve his farming practices and enhance food and nutrition security.
His readiness to act demonstrates how impactful learning events like these can inspire leaders to drive meaningful change within their communities. Through his leadership, Alhaji Sani is fostering a future where sustainable horticulture contributes to food security, economic growth, and environmental stewardship in Nigeria and beyond.
The HortiNigeria program (2021-2025), funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, aims to facilitate the development of a sustainable and inclusive horticulture sector that contributes to food and nutrition security in Nigeria. HortiNigeria is led by IFDC and implemented together with KIT Institute, Wageningen University and Research, and East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation.
