Visiting the Farmers’ Hub in Zango-Gitata, Nasarawa, was an eye-opening experience. I had heard stories about how it was transforming the lives of local farmers, but nothing could prepare me for the impact I witnessed first-hand.
Our journey began early in the morning as we set out to meet Rebecca Douglas, a seasoned farmer who has been working the land for over ten years. She welcomed us warmly, eager to share her story.
“I used to farm millets, corn, yam, and cowpea,” Rebecca told us. “Before, I struggled to get good seeds and chemicals that worked well. But ever since I started buying [SC 719 maize seed] from the Farmers’ Hub, things have changed. Last year, I harvested five bags of corn from my land. This year, after using the seeds and chemicals from the hub, I harvested twelve bags!”
She paused, letting the weight of her success sink in. “I used some of the corn for food, sold the rest, and used the money to pay my children’s school fees. All four of them are now in private school.”
Rebecca’s success did not go unnoticed. A friend who visited her farm was so impressed by the quality of her crops that she asked where she got her seeds. Rebecca directed her to the Farmers’ Hub, and soon, more farmers started making their way there. The hub had become a beacon of hope for the community, providing access to quality inputs that were changing lives.
We later visited the Farmers’ Hub, where we met Gambo Ajako Angba, the hub manager. He was busy attending to farmers who had come to purchase seeds and agricultural inputs. His dedication to supporting farmers was evident.
As we left the Farmers’ Hub, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration for the work being done here. The impact of the hub is clear—farmers like Rebecca are thriving, inspiring others, and strengthening the agricultural community in Zango-Gitata. With more support, the hub can expand its reach, touching even more lives and creating a sustainable farming ecosystem for generations to come.