Abuja, Nigeria – The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) is proud to announce its formal entry into the Africa Dryland Crops Improvement Network (ADCIN) as a collaborating partner, marking a significant step forward in advancing agricultural innovation for dryland farming communities across Nigeria.
ADCIN, established in 2023 and convened by CIMMYT (a CGIAR institution), is a regional network that unites more than 200 scientists and institutions from over 18 countries across East and Southern Africa (ESA), West and Central Africa (WCA), and global CGIAR centres. The network focuses on crop improvement for key dryland crops such as sorghum, cowpea, pearl millet, pigeon pea, chickpea, finger millet, groundnut, and common bean—staples that are essential for food and nutrition security, as well as climate resilience in Africa’s dryland zones.
By joining ADCIN, FSSS reinforces its commitment to improving the lives of smallholder farmers through strategic collaborations, advanced agricultural techniques, sustainable seed systems, and data-driven innovation.
“The Foundation’s inclusion in ADCIN is both a recognition of our work and a promise of deeper impact,” said Timothy Azakere, Country Team Lead, FSSS. “We’re excited to collaborate with leading institutions across Africa to drive improvements that directly benefit the farmers we serve.”
Echoing this sentiment, Eric Nyikwagh, the Foundation’s Partnership and Grant Mobilisation Manager, highlighted FSSS’s contributions to inclusive agricultural development.
“We’re bringing our strengths in farmer capacity building, digital tools, and inclusive seed systems to strengthen dryland crop value chains across the continent,” he said. “This partnership directly aligns with our mission to foster resilient farming communities and promote long-term food security in Nigeria and beyond.”
Under the ADCIN Network Membership Agreement, FSSS will participate in regional breeding initiatives, contribute to data and germplasm exchange, and support the development and scaling of improved crop varieties. The agreement also promotes harmonised protocols, knowledge sharing, and alignment with national agricultural priorities.
“We warmly welcome the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions into the ADCIN community,” said Happy Daudi (ESA Secretary) and Richard Oteng-Frimpong (WCA Secretary) in a joint statement. “FSSS’s deep grassroots reach and innovative approach make them a strong asset to our network. Their involvement will enrich our collective effort to accelerate genetic gains and build sustainable seed systems.”
The FSSS–ADCIN partnership represents a powerful synergy of local expertise and regional collaboration, promising not only scientific progress but real-world transformation for farmers in dryland regions.
About the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS):
FSSS is a Nigeria-based organisation focused on delivering advanced agricultural techniques, financial solutions, and market access opportunities to empower smallholder farmers. With a vision of a Nigeria where smallholder farming creates lasting prosperity, FSSS supports sustainable development through resilient communities, innovative practices, and food security initiatives.
About ADCIN:
The Africa Dryland Crops Improvement Network is a multi-country initiative convened by CIMMYT, comprising national research systems and CGIAR centres. ADCIN drives collaborative innovation for dryland crop improvement through harmonised protocols, knowledge sharing, and capacity building aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa.