By: Jide Akinseye
The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) has established 11 Farmers’ Hubs across Bauchi North Senatorial District as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity, promote climate-resilient farming and tackle poverty and unemployment in rural communities.
The initiative is being implemented with support from the Heineken Africa Foundation 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 in Jama’are Local Government Area on Tuesday, the Executive Director of the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions, Isaiah Gabriel, described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at improving rural livelihoods through sustainable agriculture.
Gabriel explained that the farmers’ hubs would provide access to quality farm inputs, improved seedlings, mechanisation support, extension services, produce aggregation opportunities and climate-smart agricultural practices for farmers in the benefiting communities.
He noted that the centres are expected to serve as hubs for agricultural innovation, youth empowerment, agribusiness development and improved food systems within Jama’are and surrounding areas.
According to him, the initiative is designed to help smallholder farmers build resilience against climate-related challenges while enhancing food production and economic opportunities in the region.
Gabriel also urged members of the benefiting communities to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their proper utilisation and maintenance to guarantee sustainability and long-term impact.
