14,000 Bauchi Smallholder Farmers Benefit from ₦4bn Smart Agric Project

News in brief:

-14,000 smallholder farmers in Bauchi North are benefiting from a ₦4 billion smart agriculture initiative funded by the Heineken Africa Foundation through Nigerian Breweries.

-The programme aims to strengthen farmer livelihoods and climate resilience through regenerative agriculture, with 60% of participants being women.

About 14,000 smallholder farmers across seven local government areas in Bauchi North are receiving support under a ₦4 billion smart agriculture initiative funded by the Heineken Africa Foundation through Nigerian Breweries Plc.

The project was formally launched in Bauchi and is designed to improve farmer productivity, strengthen climate resilience and increase sustainable income.

Chukwuemeka Aniukwu, Head of Public, External and Government Affairs at Nigerian Breweries, said the investment aligns with the company’s commitment to supporting rural communities. He explained that the initiative builds on Heineken’s long-standing interventions in healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene across Africa.

Aniukwu stated that the decision to implement the project in Bauchi was strategic due to the state’s strong base of smallholder farmers and the potential for high-impact agricultural outcomes. He noted that the programme focuses on improving the economic prospects of farmers, particularly women and youth, while promoting regenerative farming practices.

Training and Support Through Farmer Field Schools

The project is being implemented in partnership with the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions. Executive Director of the foundation, Dr Isaiah Gabriel, said beneficiaries will undergo hands-on training delivered through Farmer Field Schools and demonstration plots.

He stated that 60% of the participating farmers are women, while 40% are youth, reflecting the programme’s emphasis on inclusive agricultural development. Gabriel said the training will cover climate-responsive techniques, soil regeneration methods and efficient farm management practices aimed at improving long-term productivity.

State Government Backs the Initiative

Bauchi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Iliyasu Gital, commended the Heineken Africa Foundation and its partners for implementing the programme in the state. He noted that the government is committed to supporting the project to ensure farmers receive the required training and resources.

Gital said the initiative aligns with state-level goals to boost agricultural output, expand rural opportunities and improve resilience to climate-related shocks. Officials anticipate that the project will support more sustainable farming systems and improve livelihood outcomes for participating households over the three-year implementation period.