A delegation from the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS), led by Executive Director Dr Isaiah Gabriel, has met with the Bauchi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Iliyasu Aliyu Gital, and the Programme Manager of the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP), Mr Ya’u Mohammed Sade. The meeting, held at the Bauchi State ADP Secretariat, formed part of FSSS’s ongoing stakeholder engagements ahead of the rollout of the Empowerment of Smallholders to Thrive and Build Climate Resilience through Regenerative Agriculture (ESTRRA) project in Bauchi North Senatorial District.
During the visit, Farmer Timothy presented an overview of the ESTRRA initiative, noting that it aims to support 14,000 smallholder farmers — including 60% women and 30% youth — to adopt regenerative agricultural practices and strengthen climate resilience. He explained that the project would reclaim over 20,000 hectares of degraded land, promote fruit tree reforestation, and support income-generating activities during the off-season to enhance farmers’ livelihoods and nutrition. His presentation set the tone for discussions on collaboration and alignment with the state’s ongoing agricultural programmes.
In his remarks, Dr Gital commended FSSS and the Heineken Africa Foundation for their commitment to strengthening agriculture in Northern Nigeria. He pledged the full support of the state government and BSADP, describing the initiative as a timely and strategic step towards improving agricultural productivity and rural development in the region.
The Commissioner particularly lauded the project’s seed systems development component, highlighting the absence of a registered seed company in Bauchi and the potential economic benefits of establishing one through the ESTRRA initiative. He also stressed the importance of off-season livelihood support, noting that many farmers struggle to sustain their households during this period, and praised FSSS’s approach to promoting alternative income streams.
He assured the team of the ministry’s continued partnership and reaffirmed the government’s readiness to leverage FSSS’s experience to strengthen agricultural resilience and improve the wellbeing of farmers across the seven participating Local Government Areas — Katagum, Giade, Shira, Gamawa, Itas-Gadau, Jama’are, and Zaki.
At the end of the meeting, the FSSS team formally invited the Honourable Commissioner and the Bauchi State Government to the official launch of the ESTRRA project, scheduled for 4 December 2025, which they graciously pledged to attend.