By Sani Adamu Hassan
The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) has officially launched a three-year Empowerment of Smallholders to Thrive and Build Climate-Resilience through Agriculture (ESTRRA) Programme, aimed at transforming farming practices and strengthening food security across the Bauchi North Senatorial District.
The programme targets supporting 14,000 smallholder farmers and indirectly benefiting more than 50,000 community members through climate-smart interventions. The initiative is funded by the Heineken Africa Foundation in partnership with community-based organizations.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of FSSS, Dr. Isaiah Gabriel, described the project as a major step toward empowering farmers who are increasingly facing the impacts of climate change. He noted that agriculture remains the “heartbeat” of Bauchi State, with over 80 percent of households relying on it for their livelihood.
Dr. Gabriel explained that the programme will be anchored on the Farmers’ Hub Model, a one-stop commercial platform designed to make farming easier, smarter, and less stressful. He emphasized that women and young people will be central beneficiaries, given their vital role in the future of agriculture.
He also commended the Bauchi State Government for providing policy support, describing it as “good rainfall without which nothing grows.”
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Bauchi, the Head of Public, External and Government Affairs at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Chukwuemeka Aniukwu, said the organisation, through partnership, has launched a ₦4 billion Regenerative Agriculture and Smallholder Livelihoods Project aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening rural livelihoods in Bauchi State.
In his remarks, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Iliyasu Aliyu Gital, commended FSSS for the initiative and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting projects aimed at improving the lives of citizens.
In their goodwill messages, the BSADP Programme Manager represented by Rafilawus Yuhanna Iliya, Senior Sales Manager of OCP Africa, Mr. Solomon Tanko, and Professor Sanusi Muhammad Gaya also hailed the initiative, expressing hope that the project would achieve the desired results.
Additionally, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, represented by Alhaji Mu’awiyah Harsanu, commended the Foundation for the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward improving the lives of citizens.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Maimuna Sani and Malam Yusuf Hallihu, shared testimonies expressing their appreciation to the Foundation for coming to their aid and pledged to redouble their efforts toward the success of the project.
The programme will be implemented across seven Local Government Areas of Bauchi State, including Katagum, Shira, Jama’are, Giade, Itas-Gadau, Zaki, and Gamawa.
