Over 14,000 farmers in Bauchi State are set to benefit from a three-year climate resilience initiative designed to tackle the growing challenges of climate change affecting agriculture in Nigeria. The Executive Director of the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions, Mr. Isaiah Gabriel, announced the programme on Wednesday in Bauchi, explaining that the project will support farmers through regenerative agriculture and long-term sustainability practices. He said the intervention marks a significant step in empowering smallholder farmers to adapt to rising climate risks while improving food security across the region.
According to Gabriel, the programme, implemented in partnership with the Heineken Africa Foundation and titled Empowerment of Smallholders to Thrive and Build Climate Resilience through Regenerative Agriculture, will directly support 14,000 smallholder farmers across seven Local Government Areas. These areas include Katagum, Giade, Shira, Gamawa, Itas-Gadau, Jama’are, and Zaki. He stated that the initiative places a strong focus on inclusion, targeting 60 per cent women and 30 per cent youth, with more than 70,000 indirect beneficiaries projected to benefit from community-driven interventions. This approach is expected to strengthen climate-smart agriculture, expand rural development, and improve long-term environmental stability.
Gabriel noted that through the ESTRRA project, over 20,000 hectares of degraded land will be reclaimed from advancing desertification using sustainable restoration methods such as half-moons and reforestation with fruit-bearing crops. He explained that the programme will also encourage mixed farming systems to boost household nutrition, enhance farmers’ income through off-season opportunities, and expand market access for those adopting regenerative and climate-friendly agricultural practices. He said, “ESTRRA provides an opportunity to equip smallholder farmers with the knowledge and resources they need 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 enhance food security and sustainable livelihoods across Northern Bauchi.”
He added that the initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations collaborate to promote sustainable rural development, saying it moves the state closer to the vision of a Nigeria where smallholder farming drives inclusive economic growth.
Speaking on the partnership, the General Manager of the Heineken Africa Foundation, Mr. Edwin Moerkerk, reaffirmed HAF’s commitment to supporting African farming communities facing climate pressures. He said, “We look forward to working with FSSS to strengthen the resilience of Nigeria’s smallholder farming communities. Our goal is to connect farmers with the right resources and networks, enabling them to grow sustainably. Our vision is that African smallholder farmers can prosper, securing a sustainable food system for all.”
Moerkerk explained that the project will be delivered through the Farmers’ Hub Model, which improves access to quality inputs, farmer training, and market opportunities while promoting inclusive and environmentally responsible practices. He said the project will feature training on regenerative agriculture, soil restoration demonstrations, group strengthening for women and youth, and value chain development to increase income opportunities for farmers adopting climate-resilient methods.
