No fewer than 14,000 smallholder farmers in Bauchi State are set to benefit from a three-year initiative designed to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the state.
The Executive Director, Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS), Mr Isaiah Gabriel, disclosed this on Wednesday during the official launch of the programme in Bauchi.
Gabriel said the project, titled Empowerment of Smallholders to Thrive and Build Climate Resilience through Regenerative Agriculture (ESTRRA), is being implemented in partnership with the Heineken Africa Foundation (HAF).
He explained that the programme aims to strengthen farmers’ ability to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change while improving productivity and livelihoods.
“The project will directly benefit 14,000 smallholder farmers across seven Local Government Areas — Katagum, Giade, Shira, Gamawa, Itas-Gadau, Jama’are, and Zaki,” he said.
Gabriel added that the initiative prioritises inclusion, with 60 per cent of beneficiaries expected to be women and 30 per cent youth, while over 70,000 people would benefit indirectly through community-led interventions.
According to him, the ESTRRA project will reclaim over 20,000 hectares of degraded land from desertification using sustainable restoration techniques such as half-moon pits, reforestation, and the planting of fruit-bearing trees.
He said the initiative would also promote mixed farming systems to enhance nutrition, provide off-season livelihood opportunities, and improve market access for farmers engaged in climate-smart and regenerative practices.
“ESTRRA provides an opportunity to equip smallholder farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to adapt to a changing climate. Through capacity building, the Farmers’ Hub Model, and stronger market linkages, we aim to build resilient farming communities that ensure food security and sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
Gabriel noted that the initiative aligns with the foundation’s vision of a Nigeria where smallholder farming drives inclusive growth and rural prosperity.
In his remarks, the General Manager, Heineken Africa Foundation, Mr Edwin Moerkerk, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to improving the resilience of African farming communities.
“We look forward to working closely with FSSS to ensure that smallholder farmers in Nigeria are equipped with the right resources, training, and networks to grow sustainably,” Moerkerk said.
He explained that the project would be implemented through the Farmers’ Hub Model, which promotes access to quality inputs, training, and market opportunities while supporting environmentally friendly practices.
Moerkerk added that the project’s key activities include farmer training on regenerative agriculture, soil restoration demonstrations, youth and women group strengthening, and value chain development to improve income opportunities.
According to him, the collaboration underscores HAF’s vision of a sustainable food system where African smallholder farmers can thrive and contribute to a more resilient agricultural future.
