Bauchi Farmers Gain Access to Seeds and Supplies via Climate Resilience Initiative
Introduction to the ESTRRA Project
The Empowerment of Smallholders to Thrive and Build Climate Resilience through Regenerative Agriculture (ESTRRA) Project is making a significant impact on smallholder farmers in Bauchi State. This initiative, supported by the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) and the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation (HAF), aims to enhance the resilience of farming communities against climate-related challenges while improving access to essential agricultural inputs and quality seeds.
Improved Access to Agricultural Inputs
Under the ESTRRA Project, more than 1,000 units of agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, herbicides, and other crop protection products, have been distributed to 11 Farmers’ Hubs across seven communities in six local government areas of Bauchi State. These hubs are strategically located to ensure that farmers can access necessary supplies closer to their farms, reducing the need for long-distance travel.
Mohammed Dahiru Auwal, the Manager of the Bulkachuwa Farmers’ Hub in Katagum Local Government Area, highlighted the benefits of this intervention. He noted that before the establishment of the hub, farmers had to travel long distances to purchase quality fertilizers and other farm inputs. Now, with these products available locally, farmers can access them at the right time, which helps reduce transportation costs and improve productivity.
Training on Seed Production Technologies
In addition to providing agricultural inputs, FSSS organized a two-day training program in Azare for 28 representatives of seven Community-Based Organisations (CBOs). The training focused on improved seed production technologies, covering topics such as seed quality management, varietal purity, field inspection, and certification requirements.
More than half of the participants were women, emphasizing the project's commitment to gender inclusivity. The training was informed by findings from the project’s 2026 baseline assessment, which revealed that 87% of seeds used by farmers in Northern Bauchi were sourced from farmer-saved or local supplies, while only 12% came from improved or certified sources.
To address this gap, each participating CBO received foundation seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection products to establish community seed multiplication fields. The seven organizations are expected to establish at least three hectares each, resulting in a minimum of 21 hectares of community seed production fields across the project area.
Practical Knowledge and Confidence
Abigail Kwila, a participant from one of the beneficiary CBOs in Katagum LGA, shared her experience with the training. She mentioned that the program equipped participants with practical knowledge on seed production and certification. Many of the participants previously lacked understanding of the requirements for producing quality seeds.
With the foundation seeds and inputs provided, Kwila expressed confidence that the CBOs could establish successful seed multiplication fields, making quality seeds more accessible to farmers in their communities.
Business Management Training
The ESTRRA Project also included business management training for Farmers’ Hub managers, focusing on record keeping, stock management, pricing, costing, and accountability. This aspect of the project ensures that the hubs are not only well-stocked but also efficiently managed.
Dr. Abubakar Hassan Inuwa, a Senior Agronomist at FSSS, emphasized that the project is designed to create sustainable solutions rather than provide only seasonal assistance. "Our goal is not simply to distribute seeds but to build the capacity of communities to become seed producers themselves," he stated.
Long-Term Impact
By equipping these organizations with both technical knowledge and production resources, the ESTRRA Project is laying the foundation for stronger local seed systems that can continue serving farmers long after the project cycle. The project, funded by the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation, focuses on strengthening the capacity of smallholder farmers in Northern Bauchi through regenerative agriculture, improved access to farm inputs, stronger local institutions, and climate-resilient farming practices.
Through the Farmers’ Hubs and community-led seed production initiatives, the ESTRRA Project is expected to improve access to quality agricultural resources and strengthen the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Bauchi North.
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