The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) has established 11 Farmers Hubs across Bauchi North Senatorial District to improve agricultural productivity and address poverty and unemployment in benefiting communities.
Project Details and Support
The hubs were established with support from the Heineken Africa Foundation (HAF) under the N4 billion Empowerment of Smallholders to Thrive and Build Climate Resilience through Regenerative Agriculture (ESTRRA) project.
Speaking during the inauguration of one of the hubs in Dogon Jeji community, Jama'are Local Government Area, on Tuesday, the Executive Director of FSSS, Dr Isaiah Gabriel, described the initiative as a strategic investment in rural livelihoods and climate-resilient agriculture.
Services Provided by the Hubs
He said the hubs would provide farmers with access to quality inputs, seedlings, mechanisation support, extension services, aggregation opportunities and climate-smart farming practices.
According to him, the project is expected to serve as a centre for agricultural innovation, youth engagement, enterprise development and improved food systems in Jama'are and neighbouring communities.
Call for Ownership and Sustainability
Gabriel urged farmers to take ownership of the facilities and utilise them effectively to ensure sustainability and long-term impact. He reaffirmed FSSS' commitment to promoting inclusive and market-driven agricultural systems aimed at improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
Traditional Ruler's Appreciation
Launching the Farmers Hub, the Emir of Jama'are, Alhaji Nuhu Ahmad Wabi, expressed appreciation to FSSS and the Heineken Africa Foundation for the initiative and called for the establishment of more projects across the district to promote development in Jama'are. The traditional ruler also urged benefiting communities to maintain the facilities to ensure maximum productivity.
Government and Farmer Feedback
The Programme Manager of the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP), Alhaji Yau Mohammed, commended the initiative, describing it as timely for farmers in the area.
Speaking on behalf of farmers, the Sarkin Gona of the area, Alhaji Shehu Yakubu, thanked FSSS and the Heineken Africa Foundation for establishing the hubs in the district. Yakubu also appealed for the expansion of the project to Bauchi Central and Bauchi South Senatorial Districts.
