FSSS Launches 11 Farmers Hubs in Bauchi North

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) has launched 11 Farmers Hubs across Bauchi North Senatorial District to improve agricultural productivity and tackle poverty and unemployment in benefiting communities.

The hubs launched with support from the Heineken Africa Foundation (HAF) under the N4 billion Empowerment of Smallholders to Thrive and Build Climate Resilience through Regenerative Agriculture (ESTRRA) project.

Speaking during the launch of one of the hubs in Dogon Jeji community, Jama’are Local Government Area on Tuesday, the Executive Director of FSSS, Dr. Isaiah Gabriel, described the initiative as a strategic investment in rural livelihoods and climate-resilient agriculture.

He said the hubs would provide farmers with access to quality inputs, seedlings, mechanisation support, extension services, aggregation opportunities, and climate-smart farming practices.

According to him, the project is expected to serve as a centre for agricultural innovation, youth engagement, enterprise development, and improved food systems in Jama’are and neighbouring communities.

Dr. Gabriel urged farmers to take ownership of the facilities and utilise them effectively to ensure sustainability and long-term impact, reaffirming FSSS’ commitment to promoting inclusive and market-driven agricultural systems that improve the lives of smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

Launching the Farmers Hub, the Emir of Jama’are, Alhaji Nuhu Ahmad Wabi, expressed gratitude to FSSS and the Heineken Africa Foundation for the gesture and urged that more of such projects be established across the district to open up communities for development in Jama’are.

The traditional ruler also urged benefiting communities to make proper use of the hubs by maintaining the facilities to ensure maximum productivity.

The Programme Manager of the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP), Alhaji Yau Mohammed, also commended the initiative and described it as timely for farmers in the area.

Leaders of farmers in the area also commended the initiative and called for the expansion of the project to Bauchi Central and Bauchi South Senatorial Districts.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Alhaji Shehu Yakubu thanked FSSS and the Heineken Africa Foundation for establishing the hubs.

“This is a giant project that is, of course, a one-stop shop, and whatever the farmer wants, they will get it here, from agrochemicals, fertilisers and others. I also heard that there is a rice milling machine in the building. This is a great day for us.

“Our people are rice farmers and it will now be easier to bring rice here for processing and market access. The Executive Director said the hubs were built around communities, including veterinary clinics where animals will be treated. This is a big effort and I call on the people of the area to take care of the building because it is for their own benefit.

“I am sure this will change their lives and improve their economic status. Through this building, they will have access to genuine agro inputs that will improve agricultural productivity and increase profits,” he said.

In his remarks, Alhaji Shafiyu Haladu of WOFAN urged the managers of the Farmers Hubs to ensure proper management of the facilities for the benefit of the communities.

“During the rainy season, these hubs will be like daily markets where people can sell their agricultural produce. People from Jama’are and beyond will come to this hub concerning their farm produce, and I know whatever farmers bring here will be of high quality.

“Another thing you stand to benefit from is the knowledge that will be received from those who established these hubs. I urge you to manage this hub well and ensure that the trust is a lasting one,” he said.

Also speaking, the leader of the managers of the Farmers Hubs, Alhaji Yusuf Bichi, said farmers’ major challenge had been access to genuine pesticides and quality fertilisers.

“But with the establishment of these 11 hubs, we are now guaranteed that any farm inputs we buy here are genuine and of the highest quality.

“This hub you are seeing today requires proper management and we must maintain the trust of those who built it. Managing it in trust is challenging, but if we do it well, our communities will develop and move forward. For me, there is nowhere anyone selling farm inputs that I will recommend more than this place because the products are genuine.

“This is a major boost for farmers. Due to trust, I can even call companies to supply trailers of fertiliser on credit, sell them and return the money later. Therefore, those of us privileged to be selected to manage these hubs must ensure we do not betray the trust repose on us because, in the end, it is our communities that will benefit from this laudable gesture.

“These drugs and facilities which include training spaces will improve farming in our communities, and, by God’s grace, we will boost agricultural production in Jama’are and the northern senatorial district in general. Please let us not betray the trust placed on us y properly utilizing them,” he added