Smallholder farmers across Northern Bauchi have received a boost following the distribution of over 1,000 agricultural inputs and the training of 28 community seed producers by the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) and the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation (HAF).
The intervention was carried out under the Empowerment of Smallholders to Thrive and Build Climate Resilience through Regenerative Agriculture (ESTRRA) Project, aimed at improving access to quality farm inputs, strengthening local seed systems, and promoting climate-resilient agriculture.
Speaking with journalists yesterday in Bauchi, the manager of the Bulkachuwa Farmers’ Hub in Katagum local government area, Mohammed Dahiru Auwal, said that, as part of the initiative, agro-inputs worth millions of naira were supplied to 11 Farmers’ Hubs serving communities in Katagum, Zaki, Giade, Itas-Gadau, Shira and Jama’are Local Government Areas. Beneficiary communities include Gambaki, Bulkachuwa, Chibiyayi, Diga, Dogon-Jeji, Faggo and Kurba.
He added that the inputs comprised fertilisers, herbicides, seed treatment products, crop protection chemicals and knapsack sprayers to support crop establishment, weed control, nutrient management and pest protection during the 2026 farming season.
Mohammed said the initiative would ease farmers’ access to quality agricultural inputs.
“Previously, farmers travelled long distances to purchase quality fertilisers and chemicals. With the Farmers’ Hub now fully stocked, they can access these products closer to their farms and at the appropriate time,” he said.
He noted that the intervention would reduce production costs, particularly transportation expenses, while improving farming productivity.
Beyond input distribution, FSSS and HAF also organised a two-day seed production training in Azare for 28 representatives drawn from seven Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), with women accounting for more than half of the participants.
The trainees received practical instruction on the production of rice, millet, sorghum, groundnut and cowpea seeds, focusing on varietal purity, quality management, field inspection and certification procedures.
According to FSSS, the training was informed by findings from the project’s 2026 baseline survey, which showed that 87 per cent of farmers in Northern Bauchi rely on farmer-saved or local seeds, while only 12 per cent use improved or certified seeds.
To bridge this gap, each participating CBO received foundation seeds, fertilisers and crop protection products to establish community seed multiplication fields.
The seven organisations are expected to cultivate at least three hectares of seed multiplication fields each, creating a minimum of 21 hectares of community-managed seed production across the project area.
One of the beneficiaries, Abigail Kwila from Katagum local government area described the training as a game-changer for her community.
“Before this training, many of us lacked adequate knowledge of quality seed production and certification. We have now acquired practical skills that will enable us to produce certified seeds and improve farmers’ access to quality planting materials,” she said.
The project also provided business management training for Farmers’ Hub managers on record-keeping, stock management, pricing, costing and accountability to ensure the long-term sustainability of the hubs.
Senior Agronomist at FSSS, Dr Abubakar Hassan Inuwa, said the organisation’s objective extends beyond seasonal support.
“Our goal is not simply to distribute seeds but to build the capacity of communities to become seed producers themselves. By equipping them with technical knowledge and production resources, we are laying the foundation for stronger local seed systems that will continue serving farmers long after the project ends,” he said.
The ESTRRA Project, funded by the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation, seeks to empower smallholder farmers in Northern Bauchi through regenerative agriculture, improved access to farm inputs, stronger community institutions and climate-resilient farming practices.
