Gombe State Welcomes AATF and Michigan State University as Balanga Dam Becomes Agricultural Hotspot
Gombe State is cementing its status as an agro-industrial hub as it welcomes a high-level delegation from the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and Michigan State University (MSU) for a strategic tour of the revitalized Balanga Dam.
Led by Sylvester Oikeh, Project Manager of AATF’s Tela Maize Project, the team commended the state government for its vision and political will to unlock the full potential of the dam. Once irrigation activities resume, over 11,000 hectares of land will support year-round farming, transforming food production in the region.
The team inspected ongoing canal reconstruction under the ACReSAL Project, which is restoring and expanding irrigation infrastructure. Gombe is now attracting global attention for its smart agriculture model, combining innovation, environmental management, and youth employment through green farming initiatives.
