Jigawa Villagers Blames Declining Farming Output And Urban Drift to Abandonment of Dam

Musa Ado is deeply saddened by the exodus of young men from his village, Warwade, to southern Nigerian cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt for menial jobs. The village, located about 16 kilometres from Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State in north-west Nigeria, was once economically vibrant due to the Warwade Dam. However, due to poor maintenance and abandoned water channels, farming has become less lucrative, forcing many to leave in search of better opportunities.

The Warwade Dam, initiated in 1970 and completed in 1977, was initially meant to provide potable water to nearby towns but later included irrigation farming with government support. This support included free irrigation equipment and village extension advisers who trained farmers in modern irrigation techniques. As a result, the village produced a variety of crops, significantly contributing to the local economy and food supply. However, the dam’s current state has severely impacted agricultural activities and livelihoods, exacerbating poverty and prompting the migration of the youth.

Successive administrations have promised to rehabilitate the dam, but nothing has materialised, leading to further economic decline. Mr. Ado highlighted the government’s mistake of ignoring genuine farmers in their agricultural interventions, leading to ineffective schemes. The state’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Muttaka Namadi, acknowledged the issue and mentioned plans to rehabilitate ten dams, including Warwade, to enhance irrigation farming. The rehabilitation is expected to boost local agriculture, provide job opportunities, and curb the migration of young people from the area.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/710909-special-report-jigawa-villagers-link-declining-farming-output-urban-drift-to-abandonment-of-dam.html