Bauchi: Some farmers in Bauchi expressed enthusiasm over the introduction of a smart agric education programme by the Savanna Institute for Sustainable Development (SISDev), which is expected to transform agriculture in the state. The programme is supported by the Soil Values project, funded by the International Fertiliser Development Corporation (IFDC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, SISDev is engaging farmers and extension agents in smart agriculture through practical sessions focused on soil health, water conservation, and natural resource management. This initiative provides extension agents with tools such as soil testing kits and tablets to enhance their ability to train farmers on modern, sustainable farming practices.
The organisation has launched a statewide sensitisation programme, benefiting 25 smallholder farmers in Ningi Local Government Area. The farmers were introduced to soil restoration, conservation techniques, integrated soil fertility, and integrated pest management. This initiative aims to improve soil fertility and restore degraded lands in Bauchi State, following similar efforts in Kano and Jigawa.
SISDev-Soil Values programme operates in a challenging context marked by climatic and socio-economic issues in Sahelian countries, such as recurrent droughts, socio-political conflicts, desertification, and climate change effects. The programme’s strategy is built around three intervention pathways: Agroecology, Inclusive Markets, and Enabling Environment, along with five intervention areas: bundling, integration, brokering, convening, and scoping/learning.
Mr. Isiaka Ibrahim, Project Team Lead, SISDev, highlighted the initiative during a farm demonstration exercise in Ningi, Bauchi State. He mentioned that 50 extension agents and lead farmers had been trained in Bauchi and are expected to share these skills with communities across the state’s 20 local government areas.
“We are here in Ningi to supervise and monitor the extension agents in their cascade training with lead farmers. We aim to see if the extension agents can effectively impart the knowledge they received in Bauchi,” he stated. Ibrahim emphasized the project’s objective to empower lead farmers with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to support smallholder farmers in their communities.
The exercise allowed participants to learn viable sustainable agricultural technologies, including soil restoration, water conservation techniques, and integrated pest management. The demonstration exercise is designed to promote hands-on practical learning, equipping lead farmers with tools and knowledge to adopt innovative practices, enhance productivity, and promote sustainability.
Ibrahim noted that farmers received training on integrated soil fertility management, the half-moon system of farming, mulching, zai/compost pits, and the application of neem seed for pest management. “Now that fertiliser is expensive, smallholder farmers can use the composting system to create manure and sell it for income. It is organic, environmentally friendly, and helps combat climate change,” he added.
Beneficiaries praised the initiative for its potential to transform agriculture and boost productivity towards ensuring food security. Mainuna Hassan, a farmer, said she learned to recycle farm residues into effective organic fertiliser, acquiring practical skills to improve her farming activities and increase output.
Another farmer, Mama Mairam, highlighted how new techniques helped reduce wastage and increase yields. “SisDev – Soil Value has brought tremendous progress. We’ve learned improved methods of local fertiliser application and how to retain soil moisture effectively,” she said, noting the intervention’s remarkable impact on women farmers.
Hashim Waziri shared that the water conservation skills taught through the programme enabled farmers to nurture plantations, reduce wastage, and boost crop production. “Farmers learned to make holes on the ground to reserve excess water for plants through mulching, especially during dry season farming,” she explained.
