Overview of Agriculture in Jigawa State

Jigawa State, created on August 27, 1991, is a largely agrarian state in North-West Nigeria. Agriculture serves as the backbone of the economy, contributing over 60 % to GDP and employing more than 80–90 % of the population.

The state has vast arable land and a tropical savanna climate, supporting diverse crop cultivation and livestock production. Its fertile soils, combined with irrigation infrastructure and mechanization initiatives, allow farmers to produce high-yield crops year-round.

Jigawa is a key contributor to Nigeria’s food security, producing crops for both domestic consumption and export. Its strategic location facilitates access to markets across northern Nigeria and neighboring countries.

Major Crops Produced

Jigawa is a major producer of rice, wheat, millet, sorghum, maize, groundnut, cowpea, sesame, and hibiscus. The state is particularly known for sesame seeds and hibiscus flowers, which are in high demand in global markets.

Other important crops include cassava, yam, cotton, and tomatoes. These crops support domestic consumption, food security, and emerging agro-processing industries, including rice milling, wheat processing, and oilseed extraction.

Government interventions, improved seed distribution, mechanization, and irrigation schemes have boosted production and expanded opportunities for agribusiness and export-oriented farming.

Livestock and Poultry Farming

Livestock production is a key component of Jigawa agriculture. Cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry are reared extensively across grazing lands and ranches, contributing to meat, dairy, and egg supply chains.

Ongoing investments in livestock infrastructure, feed production, and ranch development have strengthened the sector, supporting rural livelihoods and agro-processing initiatives such as meat and dairy products.

Livestock activities also provide raw materials for leather, hides, and other value-added industries, creating business opportunities for investors.

Climate, Soil & Irrigation Systems

Jigawa has a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, ideal for a variety of crops. Soils are generally fertile and suitable for both crop and livestock farming.

Irrigation infrastructure, including dams and river-fed schemes, enables dry-season farming. Mechanized equipment and improved agronomic practices have increased productivity and expanded year-round cultivation.