In Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State, the story of agricultural development and personal transformation is being rewritten—thanks to the work of the Foundation. At the centre of this transformation is the Farmers’ Hub in Mazara community, managed by Yusuf Haliru—a man whose life, like those of many farmers around him, has been changed in unimaginable ways.
When Yusuf Haliru first encountered the Foundation’s intervention, he had no business background and no prior knowledge of running an agro-input enterprise. Today, he is not only a successful business owner but a beacon of hope and progress in his community. “The Foundation taught me everything I needed to know to run this business,” Yusuf shares.
“Before this Hub was established, farmers in this area had to travel long distances to access inputs like fertilisers, chemicals, and cement. Now, everything is within their reach—and the impact has been massive.”
The Farmers’ Hub in Mazara is more than a store—it’s a lifeline for over 1,000 farmers, including those from neighbouring communities. With a well-stocked inventory of affordable inputs, Yusuf’s Hub has become a trusted centre for farmers looking to buy quality goods at city-standard prices, without the burdens of travel or inflated transportation costs. Thanks to efficient logistics supported by the Foundation, prices at the Hub remain competitive with those in Kano city itself.
But the impact goes beyond convenience. For Yusuf, the Foundation’s support has been life-changing. With profits from his thriving business, he has been able to build two houses and enrol his children in private schools—opportunities that once seemed far-fetched. “Everything I have now is because of the Foundation,” he says with deep gratitude.
“They encouraged me, trained me, and guided me. I didn’t even have a business before this, but now, my life is different. I’m grateful to the Country Director and the entire team.”
Beyond Yusuf’s personal progress, the ripple effect of the Hub is evident across Bichi. Farmers now have a local market to sell their produce and purchase essential items, saving time and money. The Hub also attracts customers from other areas, strengthening the local economy and building resilience within the agricultural value chain. With continuous stock turnover, including multiple truckloads of cement and fertiliser deliveries, the Hub has become a dependable source of agricultural inputs and household essentials.
The Foundation’s approach—building local capacity, empowering rural entrepreneurs, and creating access to essential services—is clearly working. As Yusuf puts it, “The people have made huge progress. They no longer need to spend on transporting goods to the city. The Hub helps us sell their produce right here. This has truly changed the lives of people in Bichi.”
From a modest beginning with no business experience to becoming a respected agro-dealer and community enabler, Yusuf Haliru’s journey reflects the transformative power of inclusive rural development. And in Bichi LGA, the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions is proving that when smallholder farmers are empowered with knowledge, tools, and access, the results speak volumes—for families, for communities, and for the future of agriculture in Nigeria.