Benue State, Nigeria – Over the past weekend, the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) held a transformative two-day Farmers’ Field Day event in the villages of Mbashimbe, Ipav, and Mbagyuve communities within the Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
The event gathered more than 150 farmers, offering hands-on training in farmland preparation, fertiliser and chemical application, and best practices for storage and post-harvest handling.
The events took place on Friday, 8 November, in Mbagyuve, and on Saturday, 9 November, in Mbashimbe in Ipav, each held at the FSSS Farmers’ Hub premises—a collaborative project with AVISA and OCP AFRICA.
The Farmers’ Field Days also showcased improved crop varieties, including sorghum (SAMSORG 17, SAMSORG 42, SAMSORG 54, and SAMSORG 57) and cowpea (FUAMPEA 2, FUAMPEA 3, FUAMPEA 4, and SAMPEA 14), cultivated on demonstration farms at the hubs.
According to Ihyembe Livinus, FSSS field assistant and agronomist, the field days provided an opportunity to address persistent farming issues in the area, particularly the devastating impact of Striga, a parasitic weed affecting sorghum fields that has discouraged many farmers from planting sorghum.
This fuelled attendees’ enthusiasm and eagerness to observe the improved crop varieties and see how they differ from local varieties. For many farmers, these improved varieties were eye-opening, showcasing higher yields, resistance to drought, and increased economic viability compared to local crops. Farmers noted preferences for the colour and seed sizes of the improved varieties they tested.
“Today, farmers saw firsthand how the new sorghum varieties handle Striga,” said Ihyembe.
He added, “The farmers were encouraged to see the performance of these improved varieties, even with Striga present. This has renewed their interest in sorghum farming, as they’ve witnessed the potential for better productivity and economic returns. Many are now eager to return to sorghum farming after seeing the crop’s resilience,” Livinus explained.
Farmers from both communities expressed gratitude for the knowledge shared during the event. The Kindred Head of Mbashimbe, Zaki Iorwuese Imbya, expressed his appreciation for FSSS’s efforts, stating, “We are grateful for this enlightenment and support for our community. This is knowledge we have needed for a long time, and we hope the Foundation will remain with us to provide continued guidance. We are happy to work with [the Foundation] and hope they will continue to support our community.”
Farmers like Mercy Dooshima Patrick valued the practical insights gained during the field days. “I learned so much about bean preservation and choosing the right crop varieties,” she shared. “With this knowledge, I feel prepared to teach other farmers in our community, especially about post-harvest handling and seed selection.”
Similarly, engineer and farmer Steven Ashimahar was impressed with the insights on optimised chemical use and farmland preparation, saying, “Without this event, many of us would have continued using the same ineffective practices. Now, we have the tools to yield more from our fields, thanks to the Foundation.”
The event featured an engaging training session led by agronomist Mzughul Simon Nyamve, who guided farmers in essential agronomic practices, such as planting techniques, spacing, and pest control.
“One major issue here is weed management and proper application of fertilisers,” explained Nyamve. “We focused on equipping farmers with precise, effective methods to tackle these issues, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”
In Mbagyuve, farmer Susan Er. noted that learning the proper timing for fertiliser application would significantly improve her crop output. “Before, I applied fertiliser too late,” she admitted. “Now I know the right time, and I’m hopeful this will enhance my harvests.”
The Foundation’s mission centres on building a Nigeria free from food insecurity, where smallholder farmers thrive through access to sustainable, practical farming solutions. By working directly with rural communities, the Foundation helps farmers achieve resilience and prosperity through education and empowerment.
The farmers eagerly requested that FSSS continue to organise similar events, expanding to other rural areas. As David Nom, a farmer from Mbagyuve, said, “We have learned so much from this programme. With more training like this, we can continue to improve our practices and ensure our families’ food security.”
The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) is dedicated to eradicating food insecurity in Nigeria by empowering smallholder farmers with sustainable agricultural knowledge, resources, and support. Through strategic partnerships and community-based initiatives, FSSS is committed to sowing seeds of prosperity in rural communities, fostering resilience, and supporting Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable agriculture and self-sufficiency.
