In 2024, the Foundation expanded its reach to Plateau State, marking a significant milestone in its mission to transform smallholder farming in North-Central Nigeria. With this expansion, the Foundation now operates in twelve (12) states across the country, fostering agricultural innovation and sustainability. One of the most inspiring stories from this new region of expansion is that of Dalyop Dachung Gyang, a dedicated vegetable farmer from Sham Hamlet, Wereng Village in Riyom Local Government Area.
Dalyop has been engaged in active, commercial farming for fifteen years, cultivating a diverse range of vegetables, including cabbage, kale, and celery. Having grown up in a farming family, he made a conscious decision to pursue agriculture as a business, recognising the profitability of vegetable farming due to its stable returns on investment.
“I have come to see vegetable farming as highly profitable compared to other crops because of its fixed returns on investment,” Dalyop shared.
When the Foundation visited Dalyop’s farm, they were impressed by his farming principles, his commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, and the scale of his operations. The selection process was rigorous, but Dalyop’s dedication and vision aligned perfectly with the Foundation’s objectives. We assessed key aspects of his farm, such as land size, water sources, crop quality, and storage facilities, before making their decision to support him.
“The Foundation came to visit me to see my farm and what I am doing. They found that my principles and mission align with those of the Foundation. That’s how I believe I was selected,” he explained.
For Dalyop, this selection was a dream come true – an opportunity he had hoped to achieve in five to seven years, but which the foundation made possible within a month.
“I am very, very happy. I do not even know how to thank God for this. This is something I had been hoping for, and now it has come so quickly.”
The impact of this support goes beyond Dalyop himself. His success is seen as a shared achievement by the entire community. There is a deep-rooted belief in the village that prosperity must be protected, and this project is viewed as a beacon of hope for all.
“People are very happy and are willing to protect it. They see it as their own, not just mine,” Dalyop emphasised.
The community is committed to ensuring its success, understanding that it has the potential to uplift not just individual farmers but the entire local government area and beyond.
There is an old story in the village about salt once being abundant in the area. However, due to the actions of a few individuals with bad attitudes, the salt mysteriously disappeared. This tale serves as a reminder to the community about the consequences of neglecting opportunities. As a result, the villagers are deeply committed to protecting this new agricultural initiative, seeing it as a precious resource that must not be lost.
Dalyop expresses his heartfelt gratitude to the Foundation, acknowledging the profound impact they have had on his life and aspirations.
“If there is any word that is more than ‘thank you,’ I would use that word. The foundation will see the results – I am result-oriented, and they will see the impact themselves.”
His story exemplifies the Foundation’s mission to expand to empower farmers, strengthen communities, and drive agricultural transformation across Nigeria.
