FSSS in Benue: A Landmark Year 2024 for Smallholder Farmers

In its inaugural year in Benue State, the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) achieved remarkable milestones, helping put the state on the path to reclaim its status as the ‘food basket of the Nation.’ The Foundation established five Farmers’ Hubs across the state, creating a ripple effect of economic and social impact in the region.

These hubs, located in Apir-Makurdi, Agbile Village in Gboko, Bar Stream Akonko in Gboko, Mbashimbe-Ipav in Gboko, and Tyav Abuta-Ityowanye in Buruku LGA, served as vital one-stop centres for farm resources, training, and support, fostering innovation, empowering farmers, and driving collaboration. Together, they generated ₦33.13 million in revenue for the hub managers and the farming communities, contributing an impressive 24.3% of the North Central region’s total revenue from similar hubs. The hubs reached 1,434 farmers, including 502 women and 520 youths, reflecting FSSS’s commitment to gender equity and youth empowerment in agriculture.

Empowering Farmers Through Innovation and Capacity Building

A key element of the Foundation’s success was its focus on promoting climate-resilient crop varieties. Through initiatives like the Accelerated Varietal Improvement and Seed Delivery of Legumes and Cereals in Africa (AVISA), funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and supported by leading research institutions such as UAM, IITA, IAR, ICRISAT, and CDA-BUK, farmers in Benue were introduced to drought-resistant and striga-tolerant sorghum as well as high-yield cowpea varieties. These innovations helped farmers improve yields while reducing input costs, particularly in areas where capacity-building sessions included hands-on demonstrations.

In 2024, the Foundation conducted 12 capacity-building sessions in Benue State, equipping farmers with advanced farming techniques and crop management skills. Agronomist Terry Ligom, who manages the hub in Agbile Village, is a shining example of the Foundation’s impact. By leveraging the resources and infrastructure provided by FSSS, Terry has not only transformed his career but also uplifted his community.

Challenges and the Path Forward

While the Foundation achieved significant success in its first year, it faced challenges in scaling operations in Benue due to limited resources. Addressing these hurdles will be critical for FSSS as it seeks to expand its reach and deepen its impact in the state.

Nonetheless, the Foundation’s achievements in 2024 have laid a strong foundation for sustainable agricultural transformation in Benue.

To learn more about FSSS’s impact in Benue and other regions of Nigeria, read the 2024 Impact Report: https://fsssolutions.org/annual-report-2024/

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