Foundation Launches 11 Farmers Hubs In Bauchi North To Drive Agricultural Growth

The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) has established 11 farmers hubs in Bauchi North Senatorial District in Bauchi State.

The intervention is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, reducing poverty and addressing unemployment in rural communities.

The initiative, supported by the Heineken Africa Foundation, is being implemented under the N4 billion Empowerment of Smallholders to Thrive and Build Climate Resilience through Regenerative Agriculture (ESTRRA) project.

At the launch of one of the hubs in Dogon Jeji community, Jama’are local government area, the executive director of FSSS, Dr Isaiah Gabriel, described the project as a strategic investment in rural livelihoods and climate-resilient agriculture.

He explained that the hubs are designed to provide farmers with access to improved seedlings, quality inputs, mechanisation services, extension support, aggregation facilities, and climate-smart farming practices.

According to him, the initiative will serve as a centre for agricultural innovation, youth engagement, enterprise development, and improved food systems across Jama’are and neighbouring communities.

DGabriel urged farmers to take ownership of the facilities to ensure sustainability, reaffirming FSSS’ commitment to building inclusive and market-driven agricultural systems that benefit smallholder farmers nationwide.

The Emir of Jama’l’are, Alhaji Nuhu Ahmad Wabi, while inaugurating the hub, expressed appreciation to FSSS and the Heineken Africa Foundation, calling for the expansion of similar projects across the district to further open up rural communities for development.

He also urged beneficiaries to properly maintain the facilities to guarantee long-term productivity and impact.

The Programme Manager of the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP), Alhaji Yau Mohammed, described the initiative as timely and highly beneficial to farmers in the region.

Speaking on behalf of farmers, the Sarkin Gona, Alhaji Shehu Yakubu, commended FSSS and its partners for what he described as a “One-stop agricultural support centre.”

He said the hubs would make access to agrochemicals, fertilisers, and processing equipment such as rice milling machines easier for farmers, improving value addition and market access.

Yakubu also appealed for the expansion of the project to Bauchi Central and Bauchi South Senatorial Districts, noting that it would significantly improve rural livelihoods.

“This is a giant project that provides everything farmers need in one place,” he said, urging communities to protect and sustain the facilities.

Also speaking, Alhaji Shafiyu Haladu of the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) encouraged proper management of the hubs, noting that they would also serve as centres for knowledge sharing and market activities during harvest seasons.

He stressed that strong management would ensure long-term trust and sustainability.

The leader of the hub managers, Alhaji Yusuf Bichi, highlighted the persistent challenge of access to genuine farm inputs, noting that the new hubs would help eliminate counterfeit agro-products.

He added that the facilities would strengthen farmers’ confidence, improve productivity, and boost rural economies.

Bichi urged managers to uphold transparency and trust in handling the centres, stressing that effective management would directly translate into community development and increased agricultural output in Bauchi North.