More than 21,000 farmers across seven Local Government Areas in Bauchi North have benefited from training focused on climate-smart and regenerative agricultural practices.
The programme was implemented by the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) under its Empowerment of Smallholder Farmers to Thrive and Build Climate Resilience through Regenerative Agriculture (ESTRRA) Project. The initiative is supported by the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation and Nigerian Breweries Plc.
The training is aimed at helping farmers respond to challenges linked to climate change, including declining soil fertility, erosion, drought and unpredictable rainfall. The organisers also sought to discourage practices such as bush burning and deforestation, which can contribute to land degradation.
Farmers were introduced to practical techniques including tree planting, soil conservation, mulching, composting, manure application and improved water management. They also learned about earth bunds and half-moons, which can help reduce water runoff and improve the amount of rainwater retained in farmland.
The programme reached farmers in Katagum, Itas-Gadau, Shira, Jama’are, Gamawa, Giade and Zaki local government areas. According to FSSS, women accounted for 12,442 of those reached, while 13,850 were young people.
The initiative is part of wider efforts to strengthen agricultural resilience in Bauchi North. FSSS has also established Farmers’ Hubs to improve access to agricultural inputs, training, climate information and market opportunities.
The organisation has also supported agroforestry activities in the area, with more than 12,000 economic trees planted across farming communities, households and schools during the first phase of the project. The broader ESTRRA programme aims to restore 29,000 hectares of degraded land through regenerative agriculture and other climate-focused interventions.
FSSS said the training is intended to encourage long-term changes in farming practices rather than provide only short-term agricultural assistance. The organisation believes better knowledge of soil, water and environmental management can help farmers protect their land while maintaining agricultural production.
The initiative comes as farmers across northern Nigeria face changing rainfall patterns and other climate-related pressures. Climate guidance for Bauchi for the 2026 farming season has also highlighted the importance of water conservation, suitable crop varieties and close monitoring of weather conditions.