In Gwagwalada, a bustling suburb and agricultural hub nestled in the heart of the capital city of Abuja, a quiet revolution is taking place, transforming the lives of local smallholder farmers. The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS), through its Farmers’ Hubs, is offering critical support to smallholder farmers, helping them to improve yields, adopt sustainable agricultural practices, and ultimately, secure their livelihoods. These hubs are proving to be a beacon of hope for many, as they grapple with the challenges of economic security and climate change.
In an interview with Gladys Etema Igomu, the manager of the Gwagwalada FSSS Farmers’ Hub and owner of Etema Farms Limited, she detailed the profound impact the hub is having on the local farming community. “The hub has been a blessing to farmers around here. We provide training and resources that are vital to their success,” she stated.
Enhancing Knowledge and Practices
The FSSS Farmers’ Hubs offer more than just a space for farming—they serve as educational centres. The training provided at the Gwagwalada hub focuses on teaching farmers good agricultural practices, including the proper use of pesticides and fertilisers, as well as how these practices affect the environment if not correctly applied.
According to Igomu, the most recent training session saw the participation of 30 farmers, where they learned essential agricultural practices that are designed to increase productivity and sustainability.
“We taught them how to apply fertilisers and pesticides in a way that doesn’t harm the soil or the environment, and how to select the best seedlings to plant for better yield,” Igomu explained.
The hub also provides farmers with high-quality seeds and inputs, directly sourced from certified dealers. This access to premium resources is vital for farmers who might otherwise struggle to obtain such materials. “We provide them with good-quality seeds and seedlings, which has been a game-changer for many farmers in the area,” Igomu added.
Improving Livelihoods Through Tangible Results
The hub’s efforts are already yielding remarkable results. Farmers who have received training and inputs from the hub have reported significant improvements in their agricultural output. One notable success story is that of Iyanuoluwa, a local farmer who has been working closely with the hub.
“She buys seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides from us. Recently, she sent pictures of her crops, showing impressive results,” Igomu shared. Iyanuoluwa’s harvests of okra and other crops have improved dramatically, thanks to the quality of the inputs she purchased from the hub and the training she received.
“She was particularly excited because we were able to source specific fertilisers like calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate, which have made a huge difference in her farm’s output. She’s one of the farmers who has given us very positive feedback,” Igomu said.
Tackling Nigeria’s Food Security Challenges
Nigeria is currently facing a food security crisis, driven by a combination of factors including population growth, climate change, and unsustainable farming practices. As these challenges persist, the need for sustainable solutions has never been greater. The FSSS Farmers’ Hubs are playing a crucial role in addressing this issue, by equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to grow food more sustainably.
The Gwagwalada hub has been particularly instrumental in this regard. “Before the foundation’s intervention, we struggled to reach many farmers. Our training was limited to small groups in different locations. But now, with the training area and greenhouse provided by FSSS, we can train up to 70 farmers at once,” Igomu explained. This expanded capacity has allowed the hub to reach more farmers than ever before, spreading vital knowledge about sustainable farming practices that help ensure food security for the future.
In addition to training, the foundation has established connections with reputable input dealers, allowing the hub to source quality products such as fertilisers and pesticides. “Previously, we didn’t know where to get the best inputs, but now we have a network of input dealers who provide us with quality products. This has made a huge difference for the farmers,” Igomu said.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is at the core of the FSSS mission. The foundation’s approach is designed not only to improve the immediate agricultural yields of smallholders but also to ensure that these improvements can be maintained over a long term. By teaching farmers about sustainable farming methods, such as crop rotation, soil conservation, and organic farming techniques, FSSS is helping to protect the environment while also boosting food production.
“The foundation’s support has also made it possible for us to demonstrate these sustainable practices in real time,” Igomu noted. The greenhouse provided by FSSS is not just a training space but also serves as a model for sustainable farming techniques that farmers can replicate on their own land.
A Lifeline for Smallholder Farmers
For smallholder farmers in Gwagwalada, the FSSS Farmers’ Hub has become an invaluable resource, helping them to navigate the increasingly challenging agricultural landscape. Through training, access to quality inputs, and the creation of a network of support, FSSS is giving these farmers the tools they need to thrive in a challenging agricultural landscape.
As Nigeria continues to face significant food security and sustainability challenges, initiatives like the FSSS Farmers’ Hubs provide a vital lifeline for smallholder farmers. By empowering them with the skills and resources necessary to adopt sustainable farming practices, the foundation is ensuring a brighter, more secure future for farmers and their communities.
In Gwagwalada, the seeds of change have been planted, and the results are already beginning to blossom. Thanks to the efforts of the FSSS Farmers’ Hub, smallholder farmers in Gwagwalada and environ are better equipped to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
