The Japanese Government, in partnership with Spiritan Self Awareness Initiative (SSAI), distributed agro equipment to cooperative farmers in Adani and Ogurugu, Uzo-Uwani Council, Enugu State.
The organisation provided the equipment under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects to boost agricultural development across beneficiary communities in Enugu State.
Items distributed included combined harvesters and power tillers, aimed at improving mechanised farming and reducing drudgery for cooperative farmers.
At the presentation in Adani on Monday, Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Suzuki Hideo, said the project targeted higher productivity in Adani and Ogurugu communities.
Hideo said the initiative introduced modern farming methods to improve cultivation efficiency and significantly reduce post-harvest losses among cooperative farmers.
According to him, the project seeks to increase productivity, raise farmers’ incomes, and strengthen food security and economic resilience within the communities.
He noted that the equipment would allow farmers to expand cultivation from one to two hectares, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency.
“We believe this project will help community members build secure and sustainable livelihoods by improving farming efficiency and boosting farmers’ income,” Hideo said.
He added that the initiative aligned with Japan’s development cooperation policy, strengthening agricultural value chains through hardware and capacity-building support.
“The use of Japanese technology, known for durability and efficiency, is key. We also provided online training for operating and maintaining the equipment,” he said.
SSAI Executive Director, Mr Emmanuel Erude, said the project would enhance community resilience and improve agricultural capacity across the beneficiary areas.
He said SSAI’s humanitarian programmes included free school feeding, providing daily meals to over 1,000 schoolchildren and staff.
“This marks a transition from subsistence farming to cooperative-based production, supported by Japanese partnership,” Erude said.
He added that the facilities would be responsibly managed and maintained, creating jobs, enhancing food security, and ensuring sustained community impact.
Representing the communities, the traditional ruler of Adani, Anthony Ikwowa, thanked Japan for remembering and investing in the area.
Ikwowa said the machines would greatly support Adani, describing the community as the food basket of Enugu State.