No fewer than 14,000 Bauchi farmers are to benefit from a climate resilient agriculture intervention to encourage productivity and enhance food security.
The three-year smart agriculture programme is being implemented by the Heineken Africa Foundation through the Nigerian Breweries Plc..
Mr Chukwuemeka Aniukwu, Head of Public, External and Government Affairs, Nigerian Breweries Plc, said this during the inauguration of the programme, on Thursday in Bauchi.
He said the foundation would invest about N4 billion to facilitate implementation of the programme in seven local government areas of the state.
Anuikwu said the programme was designed to empower farmers and build climate resilience through regenerative agriculture.
He said the foundation was collaborating with the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS), to build on its long standing commitment towards improving access to healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene across Africa.
“Our decision to invest in Bauchi is both deliberate and strategic. Bauchi is home to resilient, resourceful, and industrious smallholder farmers whose contributions are essential to Nigeria’s food security.
“The strength of your farming communities, combined with the natural potential of this land, gives us confidence that meaningful and lasting impact can take root here. We are here because we believe in the people of Bauchi.
“This project is designed to strengthen the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, particularly women and young people by enhancing their capacity to generate sustainable income.
“It will deliver training, access to quality inputs, stronger market linkages and opportunities across the agricultural value chain,” he said.
Isaiah Gabriel, Executive Director, FSSS, said farmers would be trained through Farmer Field Schools and demonstration plots on regenerative and climate-smart agriculture, soil and water conservation, pest and disease management, crop diversification, post harvest handling, among others.
“The project supports the restoration and protection of natural resources by promoting regenerative farming that rebuilds soil fertility, efficient water management and irrigation practices, and adoption of drought-tolerant crop varieties.
“We are here to make smallholder farmers big players and our target is to increase incomes by at least 30 per cent, but our dream is bigger,” he said.
Gabriel listed the participating LGAs to include Katagum, Shira, Jama’are, Giade, Itas Gadau, Zaki, and Gamawa.
He commended the Bauchi state government for providing an enabling environment, and pledged to ensure effective implementation of the programme.
Also, Iliyasu Gital, Bauchi Commissioner for Agriculture, lauded the gesture, and assured government’s support to the programme.
