Zuma Agric Radio (88.5 FM) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have entered into a strategic partnership to improve farmer education, expand access to agricultural knowledge, and promote sustainable rural development across Nigeria.
The collaboration will see both organisations jointly develop and produce agricultural radio programmes, co-brand dedicated Radio IITA–Zuma FM segments, and implement capacity-building initiatives for farmers and young people. Participants in selected training programmes will receive jointly certified IITA–Zuma certificates.
As part of the agreement, IITA will serve as the technical partner for the annual Zuma Agricultural Harvest Festival, contributing exhibitions, expert presentations and live broadcast sessions. Zuma Agric Radio will provide studio facilities, airtime, programme production, field recordings, community mobilisation and media coverage across Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking on the partnership, Shuaibu Kere Ahmed, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zuma Agric Radio, described the agreement as a major milestone in the station’s more than 20-year commitment to using broadcasting to drive agricultural and rural development. He said the partnership combines IITA’s globally recognised agricultural research expertise with Zuma Agric Radio’s extensive reach among rural farming communities. “This collaboration brings together IITA’s world-class agricultural research and Zuma Agric Radio’s deep roots within rural communities. Together, we will ensure that practical, research-driven solutions reach the farmers who need them most,” Ahmed said.
According to him, the initiative will help bridge the gap between agricultural research and farming practice by making science-based information more accessible through radio programmes, training and community engagement.
The partnership is also expected to strengthen Zuma Agric Radio’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for agricultural extension and rural communication, leveraging broadcasting, practical training and outreach programmes to improve farmers’ productivity, encourage innovation and support sustainable agricultural development.
