For the Foundation, June 2025 was all about action—real, hands-on work that brought us closer to the farmers we serve. From bustling training sessions to community-driven seed fairs, the month was filled with activity aimed at one thing: helping smallholder farmers succeed.
Whether it was teaching better input use in Ogun, promoting agricultural insurance in Abuja, or aggregating tomatoes for sale in Lagos, every effort moved us a step closer to our goal—building resilient, market-connected, and empowered farming communities across Nigeria.
Here’s a look at what we accomplished this past month.
Farmer Trainings and Demonstrations: Learning by Doing
Gwagwalada, Abuja – Farming Smarter with Insurance
We kicked off the month in WUNA community, Abuja, where we held a farmer training at ETEMA Farms Agri-Service Hub in partnership with the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC). The session introduced 24 farmers to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and the importance of insurance in protecting their investments from climate risks.
With dignitaries including the Chief of WUNA, representatives from NAIC, and our own FSSS team, the event highlighted how community-based hubs like ETEMA can help farmers access not only inputs but also critical information and risk protection tools.
Ogun State – Input Awareness in Ayetoro
In Ogun’s Yewa North LGA, we met with farmers at Mispem Bible Church for a grassroots training on agricultural inputs. Many farmers in the area had limited exposure to quality seeds, fertilisers, and crop protection products. Our training helped close that gap—demonstrating not only what inputs to use, but how and when to use them for best results.
The feedback? Farmers were eager to return and use the local hub to access better inputs and advisory services.
Kaduna – Real-Time Results at Shika Hub
In Giwa LGA, Kaduna, farmers got to see results for themselves. With support from Valency Agro Nigeria Ltd, we hosted a live herbicide demonstration at the Shika Hub. Just five days after application, the difference was clear: brown, dead weeds across the test plot.
Farmers learned about correct mixing, safety practices, and how to apply herbicides efficiently. Most importantly, they walked away with confidence in the products—and the hub that supplied them.
Zaria – Vegetable Varieties That Deliver
While this technically happened in July, it wrapped up our June activities and deserves a mention. At the Samaru College of Agriculture, Zaria, we partnered with Bayer Seminis to showcase improved vegetable seed varieties. Over 120 farmers attended, exploring varieties like ANSAL and ASILLA tomatoes and AMPHION cabbage growing in real-life demo plots.
It was a moment of discovery—seeing firsthand how seed choice impacts yield and income potential.
From Field to Market: Aggregation at Work
At the Adofure Hub in Ondo, we helped farmers sell 112 crates (2,800 kg) of fresh Platinum tomatoes directly to Mile 12 Market in Lagos at ₦680/kg.
This wasn’t just about sales—it was about scale. Through collective aggregation and hub-based logistics, farmers accessed a better market price and a guaranteed buyer. It’s a model we’re proud to grow: local production, national reach.
Seed Fair 2025: A Celebration of Seed Systems
The highlight of the month? Seed Fair 2025, hosted on June 19 in Minjibir, Kano State.
In partnership with AVISA, ICRISAT, IITA, CIMMYT, CDA-BUK, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds Nigeria and others, we brought together over 400 people—farmers, seed companies, researchers, traditional leaders, and policy actors—to promote one shared goal: Improved seed access for smallholder farmers.
Demonstration plots. Marketplace booths. Knowledge-sharing sessions. It was all there. And it worked.
“This programme has provided access to hybrid seeds like tomato, sorghum, and cowpea. The farmers love it—they even ask me when the next fair will be.”
— Salisu Shuaibu, Hub Manager, Minjibir
“This fair brought everyone together—researchers, dealers, farmers. That’s how seed systems grow.”
— Dr. Isaiah Gabriel, Syngenta Nigeria
“It’s helping institutionalise community-based seed systems that bring seeds closer to farmers.”
— Dr. Ignatius Angarawai, ICRISAT Nigeria
Seed Fair 2025 didn’t just connect people—it planted the seeds for a stronger, more responsive agricultural future.
Behind the Scenes: Hub Monitoring and Support
While farmers were learning and trading, our technical and business support teams were hard at work strengthening the Farmers’ Hubs across Kaduna, Ogun, Ondo, and Abuja. Activities included:
- Monitoring stock levels and logistics
- Delivering live product demos
- Gathering farmer feedback for future improvements
- Promoting integration between input supply and produce marketing
These operational touchpoints ensure that our hubs remain reliable centres of support—day in, day out.
Looking Ahead: A Season of Opportunity
June was more than a busy month—it was a blueprint for what’s possible when we centre farmers in every part of the agricultural system. Training, demonstration, aggregation, access—each one plays a role in building a stronger smallholder economy.
As the rains deepen and the season progresses, we’re not slowing down. With your support and partnership, FSSS remains committed to growing solutions that last—and ensuring that no farmer is left behind.
Stay tuned for more impact stories in the months ahead.