In the heart of Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, there is a quiet, but great agricultural impact happening — one that is redefining livelihoods, empowering farmers, and restoring dignity to work. At the centre of this change is the Farmers’ Hub and Aggregation Centre, a thriving initiative established through the support of the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions.
Led by Sani Umar, a passionate and enterprising Hub Manager, this centre has become a beacon of hope for local smallholder farmers. Sani’s leadership and the Foundation’s intervention are together crafting a powerful story of community empowerment, innovation, and sustainable farming.
Empowering Farmers with Knowledge and Resources
At the core of the Makarfi Hub’s success is its commitment to providing farmers with quality seed varieties and training them on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). According to Sani, the Hub not only grows and sells seedlings but also offers critical agricultural inputs such as chemicals, hybrid seeds, and expert advice. Farmers are no longer working in isolation — they now have access to a community of knowledge, innovation, and support.
Sani explains, “If a farmer needs seed varieties, chemicals, or advice on farming, we offer all of that here. We even buy produce from farmers depending on the quantity, giving them a guaranteed market.”
Turning Makarfi’s Unique Land into an Opportunity
Thanks to Makarfi’s swampy terrain, dry season farming is not just possible — it’s profitable. This unique advantage is being fully harnessed under the guidance of the Hub. “Farming in the dry season has become an avenue for wealth generation,” Sani shares. “It helps people who would otherwise be idle to fend for themselves and support their families.”
This approach has contributed significantly to reducing unemployment in the area. Young people and families are finding renewed purpose through agricultural activities supported by the Hub.
The Power of Hybrid Seeds
A major breakthrough for Makarfi farmers came with the introduction of Chibli F1, a Syngenta Vegetable hybrid tomato seed brought in by the Foundation. Holding up a ripe tomato in his hand, Sani explains its significance: “For your farming to yield profit, you must use quality seeds — especially those that are hybrids. The Chibli F1 doesn’t require much fertiliser, can withstand harsh conditions, and provides bumper harvests.”
He adds that while non-hybrid varieties typically yield 6 to 8 basket harvests, the Chibli F1 has already produced over 12 basket harvests — and it’s still going strong.
Alongside tomatoes, the Hub also cultivates Carrot Champion, Sweet Corn, and other high-performing crops. The produce is sold directly at the Hub, with tomatoes, for example, going for ₦15,000 per crate — creating income opportunities for growers and the Hub alike.
Impact Beyond the Fields
Beyond the tangible agricultural gains, the Foundation’s presence has ushered in a new era of awareness and confidence among the farming population. “We’ve risen from ignorance to being knowledgeable about improved farming techniques,” says Sani with pride. “Even those who once claimed they had no time for farming now find it a helpful way to meet their needs instead of begging.”
The ripple effect has been profound. Local businesses are thriving. Farmers are better informed. And a culture of self-reliance and innovation is taking root.
A Grateful Community, A Growing Legacy
Sani Umar speaks not just for himself but on behalf of the entire Makarfi farming community when he expresses heartfelt appreciation: “We are sincerely thankful to the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions. The Hub has helped businesses grow, created jobs, and opened our eyes to modern agriculture.”
He also acknowledges the critical roles played by the Foundation’s partners and supervisors, whose consistent support helps sustain the Hub’s activities.
As Makarfi’s agricultural potential continues to unfold, one thing is clear: this is more than just a Hub — it is a centre of transformation, a driver of wealth creation, and a lifeline for countless households.
