The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program, sponsored by the African Development Bank, is implementing new irrigation technologies in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. These technologies, including pressured plastic-piped sprinklers, have made dry-season rice farming more attractive to young farmers, reducing water usage and increasing productivity. The program aims to build capacity and promote sustainable water management practices for increased rice production.
Henry Igbadun, who coordinates the compact in Nigeria, said that the project in Nasarawa state began in 2019 with the training of 40 youths and agriculture extension workers on the new irrigation technologies.
The TAAT Water Compact is led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and implemented in Nigeria through the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.