Foundations empowers 14,000 smallholder farmers with regenerative, climate-smart farming skills in Bauchi

…to invest over N4 billion

By Hassan Ibrahim

The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions in partnership with Heineken Africa Foundation (FSSS) has launched an agricultural programme to empower 14,000 smallholders with regenerative climate -smart farming skills in North Senatorial District of Bauchi State.

The programme with duration of three years initiative tagged "Empowerment of Smallholders to Thrive and Build Climate Resilient through Regenerative Agriculture (ESTRRA) with at least 60 percent women and 30 percent youth and over 50, 000 indirect beneficiaries, including rural households and community members who will benefit from improved food systems and economic opportunities.

Speaking during the launching of the projects Thursday in Bauchi, Executive Director of Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions, Dr Isaiah Gabriel, said, "We are here to make smallholder farmers big players. At the centre of this initiative is our farmers' hub Model, a one-stop commercial platform where farming becomes easier, smarter, and honestly, a little less stressful. Under one roof, farmers will access improved seeds, climate-smart information, extension support, mechanization, and easier pathways to markets.

"Our target is to increase incomes by at least 30%, but our dream is bigger: farmers who are confident, independent, and profitable long after we pack up the project banners.

Gabriel explained that the programme spans seven local governments areas in Bauchi including Katagum, Shira, Jama'are, Giade, Itas-Gadau, Zaki, and Gamawa, adding And let me say this clearly women and youth are not an afterthought. They are at the heart of this intervention because the future of agriculture depends on their strength, creativity, and leadership.

Gabriel added that farmers will receive hands-on training through farmers field schools and demonstration plots in regenerative and climate smart agriculture, soil and water conservation, pest and disease management, crop diversification and post harvest handling as well as Agribusiness management and financial literacy.

On his part, Head of Public, External and Government Affairs, Heineken Africa Foundation, Chukwuemeka Aniukwu, said the decision to invest in Bauchi is both deliberate and strategic. Bauchi is home to resilient, resourceful, and industrious smallholder farmers whose contributions are essential to Nigeria’s food security. 

Aniukwu explained, "The strength of your farming communities, combined with the natural potential of this land, gives us confidence that meaningful and lasting impact can take root here. We are here because we believe in the people of Bauchi.

"Our decision to invest in Bauchi is both The Heineken Africa Foundation, through Nigerian Breweries Plc is investing $2.25 million approximately N4 Billion over the next three years to support smallholder farmers in this State. This investment builds on the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to improving access to healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene across Africa," he said.

Aniukwu explained, "This project is designed to strengthen the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, particularly women and young people, by enhancing their capacity to generate sustainable income. It will deliver training, access to quality inputs, stronger market linkages, and opportunities across the agricultural value chain. Our ambition is clear, to directly impact 14,000 smallholder farmers across seven LGAs and to indirectly reach over 70,000 farmers. We are approaching this intervention with clear targets, strong accountability, and measurable outcomes."

Aniukwu added "Economically, to increase household income through improved access to inputs and reliable markets. Environmentally, to strengthen resilience through regenerative and climate-smart agricultural practices. Socially, to improve quality of life by empowering women and young adults, strengthening community resilience, and upholding dignity through sustainable livelihoods."

In this remarks, Bauchi State Governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture Iliyasu Aliyu Gital, thanked the foundations for empowering farmers with requisite knowledge, skills and assured that the government will do everything possible to support the efforts of the initiative for the programme to succeed in the state.

He added that the state government would continue to support agriculture with all the necessary inputs especially subsides fertilizer to ensure that farming thrives, adding that the state government is constructing rural and semi-urban roads deliberately to support agricultural activities and the well-being of farmers and other citizens of the state.