CSSN confers Fellowship on WOFAN founder Salamatu Garba

By Muhd D Haidar

The Crop Science Society of Nigeria (CSSN) has conferred its prestigious fellowship on Dr Salamatu Garba, founder of the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN), for her contributions to agricultural development and farmer empowerment in Nigeria and across Africa.

The award was presented on Monday at the society’s 11th National Conference and Annual General Meeting in Dutse, Jigawa State.

The five-day event, running from October 12 to 16, 2026, is themed “Advancing Sustainable Crop Production and Climate-Smart Technology for Food Security and Economic Growth.”

CSSN President, Professor Aminu Ahmad Muhammad, described the fellowship as the society’s highest honour, reserved for those who have made exceptional contributions to crop production.

He noted that Garba’s recognition reflects both her professional achievements and the impact of her work on communities, adding that the society is open to collaboration with WOFAN to translate research into practical solutions for farmers.

A trained plant pathologist, Garba said the award affirms that sustained service is eventually recognised. She explained that her work began in the classroom in 1993 with 28 people and has since expanded into community-based interventions reaching more than seven million beneficiaries.

“I started in the classroom, but I wanted my support to go beyond just the students,” she said. “Today I am still the same plant scientist, but using the science in a different way to touch millions of lives.”

Through its programmes, WOFAN works with farming communities—particularly women and young people—to improve productivity, strengthen livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.

Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi, also a fellowship recipient, described the conference theme as timely amid challenges such as climate variability, declining soil fertility, pests and diseases, rising costs and low adoption of improved technologies. He called on crop scientists to develop improved varieties, promote efficient soil and water management, strengthen integrated pest management and scale up climate-smart approaches, while ensuring research is translated into affordable solutions for smallholder farmers.

He urged stronger partnerships among universities, research institutions, government agencies, the private sector and farming communities, as well as mentorship for young scientists.

Professor Amina Mustapha, representing Bayero University Kano Vice-Chancellor Professor Haruna Musa, said the fellowship recognises Garba’s substantial contributions to agricultural development and smallholder farmers, including her work with the university’s Centre for Dryland Agriculture. Other recipients included Professor Muhammad Auwal Hussain and Professor Paul Kayode Baiyeri.

The recognition underscores the value of linking scientific expertise with community-level action to address food security challenges and build a more resilient agricultural sector.