By Abdullahi Gambo
The Borno State Government has held a one-day validation workshop on the 2026 Pilot Farmers Census to improve agricultural planning and build a reliable database of farmers across the state.
The pilot census was conducted in five local government areas of Biu, Jere, Konduga, Mafa and Monguno took place at International Conference Centre Musa Usman Secretariat Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mallam Bukar Tijjani, said the pilot census would help the government identify farmers, understand their activities and plan better for agricultural recovery after years of insurgency.
He commended the Ministry of Agriculture and development partners, including the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), for supporting the exercise.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Bawu Musami, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Hajara Abdulhamid, said the farmers census would provide credible and reliable data for evidence-based planning, food security and agricultural investment.
She said the findings would guide government policies, improve support for farmers and strengthen climate-resilient agriculture in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the World Food Programme, Emmanuel Etimana praised the Borno State Government for initiating the exercise.
He described the census as an important step toward improving farmer targeting, strengthening food systems and supporting evidence-based decision-making.
He reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to working with the state to ensure that agricultural interventions reach the farmers who need them most.
Participants at the workshop reviewed the findings of the pilot census and expressed hope that the validated report would serve as a guide for future agricultural development and investment in Borno State.
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