In the heart of Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria, amidst the fertile lands of Bar Stream, Aliade, stands the FATOM-SULE Farmers’ Hub – a one-stop agricultural centre transforming the lives of farmers in the community. At the helm of this transformation is Doofan Jessica Yiye, the dedicated Hub Manager, who is breaking barriers in a field often dominated by men.
Jessica, with her calm demeanour and articulate expression, considers herself fortunate to hold this position. “Not many women in farming have the opportunity to be hub managers. It is rare, especially in Nigeria,” she shares.
“I love working as a farmer and as an agripreneur. This hub has helped me achieve my dream, but many other women lack such opportunities. I hope that more women can access these chances because they would accomplish great things.”
Jessica’s journey into agriculture was not an obvious one. Before joining the hub, she was involved in the rice trade, a business she pursued after completing her studies in Business Administration at Harry Pass Polytechnic, Mkar Gboko, in 2021. In her rice business, she sourced paddy rice from bush markets, processed it at local mills, and sold it from her shop.
Her transition to the Farmers’ Hub was unexpected. Initially, she was representing her sister, the official Hub Manager, who was unwell. However, as she stepped into the role, Jessica found herself deeply committed to its mission and operations. Now, she leads the daily activities of the hub, ensuring smooth operations and farmer engagement.
Running the FATOM-SULE Farmers’ Hub is no small feat. Jessica’s daily routine is structured and hands-on, ensuring that the hub operates efficiently and provides maximum benefit to the farmers in the community.
Her day begins with security checks – she takes stock of the inputs and materials in the hub to ensure that nothing was stolen or damaged overnight. She then opens the store for the day and waters the seedlings in the greenhouse, which is a vital part of the hub’s operations.
Jessica also supervises weeding and general farm maintenance, inspecting the demonstration plots and nearby farms to assess crop health. If she notices any nutrient deficiencies or pest infestations, she takes immediate action, applying fertilisers or pest control measures.
Once these tasks are done, she turns her attention to serving farmers who come to the hub for agricultural inputs and consultations. “We ensure that farmers in the community have access to high-quality inputs and farming advice,” she explains. “We have reached over a lot of farmers so far, and we are working hard to expand our impact.”
Under Jessica’s leadership, the hub is poised to positively impact over 2,000 farmers in the community. The hub is committed to providing farmers with access to quality inputs, helping them improve their agricultural productivity.
One of the biggest challenges in Jessica’s community is that many farmers rely on traditional farming methods and local seeds, which often result in poor yields. The FATOM-SULE Farmers’ Hub is actively working to change this narrative through innovation and education.
The hub’s greenhouse project is a major step in this direction. Inside the greenhouse, high-quality seedlings, including tomatoes and peppers, are cultivated under controlled conditions. These seedlings are then distributed to local farmers. This ensures they have access to superior planting materials that will significantly boost their yields.
“Many farmers here rely on local seeds and traditional planting methods and have complained about low production because of the local seeds they use,” Jessica explains.
“With this greenhouse, we can provide them with good quality seedlings that will improve their harvests and incomes.”
Beyond seed distribution, the hub also plays a role in educating farmers about modern agricultural practices. By demonstrating best practices in crop management, soil fertility, and pest control, the hub helps farmers adopt more efficient and sustainable farming methods.
Jessica’s story is one of resilience, opportunity, and empowerment. She is a testament to the potential that exists when women are given the space to lead in agriculture. As she continues to inspire and support farmers in her community, she remains hopeful that more women will be afforded similar opportunities to thrive in agribusiness.