14,000 Bauchi Farmers Benefit From Smart Agriculture Initiative

No fewer than 14,000 smallholder farmers across seven local government areas of Bauchi North have begun benefiting from a N4 billion climate-smart agriculture initiative funded by the Heineken Africa Foundation through Nigerian Breweries Plc.

The project, spanning three years, is aimed at strengthening food security, boosting productivity and building climate resilience among vulnerable farming communities.

Head of Public, External and Government Affairs at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Chukwuemeka Aniukwu, announced the initiative during the official launch of the programme titled “Empowerment of Smallholder Farmers to Thrive and Build Climate Resilience Through Regenerative Agriculture,” held yesterday in Bauchi.

Aniukwu explained that the initiative is being executed in partnership with the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) and builds upon the foundation’s longstanding commitment to improving healthcare, access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene across Africa.

“Our decision to invest in Bauchi is both deliberate and strategic. The state is home to resilient and industrious smallholder farmers whose work directly contributes to Nigeria’s food security. We believe in their potential, and we are here to support them,” he added.

He noted that the programme aims to empower farmers, particularly women and young people, through training, access to quality agricultural inputs, stronger market linkages and opportunities across the entire agricultural value chain.

The executive director of FSSS, Dr Isaiah Gabriel, said farmers would receive practical training through Farmer Field Schools and demonstration plots, covering regenerative agriculture, soil and water conservation, pest and disease control, crop diversification and post-harvest handling.

Of the 14,000 beneficiaries, 60 per cent were women while 40 per cent were youth, reflecting the programme’s focus on inclusivity and future-oriented development.

The programme covers seven local government areas of Katagum, Shira, Jama’are, Giade, Itas-Gadau, Zaki and Gamawa.

Gabriel commended the Bauchi State government for providing a supportive environment and assured stakeholders of the project’s effective implementation.

In his remarks, the Bauchi State commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Iliyasu Gital, praised the foundation for selecting Bauchi and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the programme.