Zango-Gitata, a bustling yet quiet agrarian community in the north-central of Nigeria, Nasarawa State, is home to hardworking farmers whose livelihoods depend largely on traditional cultivation methods. Despite their dedication, many struggled to maximise their yields or access better opportunities. Today, however, the narrative is changing, thanks to the efforts of one man, Gambo Ajako Angba, and the support of the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) through the AVISA programme.
Gambo, the hub manager of the Foundation’s AVISA farmers’ hub, has become a beacon of hope for smallholder farmers in Zango-Gitata. Born into a farming family, Gambo’s journey into agriculture was shaped by early experiences on the farm, learning from his parents. While farming had always been a part of his life, he initially viewed it as a survival activity rather than a calling. However, after secondary school, when job opportunities proved scarce, his passion for agriculture deepened, and he resolved to embrace farming fully.
The Role of the AVISA Programme
In 2020, Gambo’s journey as a farmer took a transformative turn when the FSSS selected him to manage a farmers’ hub established under the AVISA programme. The programme aims to empower smallholder farmers by connecting them to improved agricultural resources and networks.
“Being chosen as a hub manager was a turning point in my life,” Gambo said. “The Foundation trained me on modern farming techniques, business management, and how to support other farmers. This knowledge equipped me to help not only myself but my entire community.”
As a hub manager, Gambo became a key link between farmers in his community and the resources they needed to thrive. The AVISA programme enabled him to link local farmers with seed companies and network managers who supplied them with high-yielding, disease-resistant seed varieties, such as sorghum and cowpea. These improved seeds have been a game-changer, offering significantly higher yields compared to traditional varieties.
Empowering Farmers: More Than Just Seeds
Gambo’s role goes beyond distributing improved seeds. As a hub manager, he provides hands-on training to farmers, teaching them how to plant, weed, apply herbicides, and manage pests effectively. He also organises practical demonstrations, visits farms to monitor progress, and provides tailored advice. His efforts have drastically improved the yields of local farmers in his community.
“The farmers in my community used to rely on traditional seeds, which yielded very little. But now, with the improved seeds, some farmers have seen their harvests triple,” Gambo explained. “For example, where they used to get 10 bags of produce, they now get 30 or more. This has completely changed their lives.”
Through the AVISA hub, Gambo has introduced an aggregation system where farmers can store their produce securely and sell it collectively to buyers. This ensures fair pricing, as buyers pay based on weight rather than bulk, ensuring they receive fair value for their produce. This intervention has allowed many farmers to improve their income, invest in better farming equipment, and expand their operations from small plots to hectares of farmland.
“Farmers used to sell at low prices without knowing the value of their produce,” he shared.
“Now, they can earn what they truly deserve. This system has given them dignity and stability.”
Impact on the Community
The ripple effects of Gambo’s efforts are visible throughout Zango-Gitata. Farmers now have the means to invest in their futures, improve their living conditions, and contribute to community development.
“Many farmers have expanded their farms from 2 hectares to 5 hectares because of the higher yields,” Gambo noted.
“One farmer used his earnings to drill a borehole, providing clean water not only for his family but also for others in the community. Another farmer rebuilt his home and even bought equipment to help him cultivate more land.”
Farmers have also been able to send their children to better schools. “In the past, most children in the community attended overcrowded public schools. Now, many farmers can afford private education for their children,” Gambo said proudly. “Education opens doors for the next generation, and it all starts with the improved income from farming.”
Local markets have also experienced growth, as farmers now have more produce to sell, boosting trade and attracting buyers from other communities. Moreover, the introduction of modern farming practices has inspired younger people in the area to view farming as a viable career.
“The Foundation has made farming in our community sustainable and profitable,” Gambo said. “Their support has not only helped me achieve my dream of being a successful farmer but also allowed me to uplift others.”
Impact on Gambo’s Life
The Foundation’s support has not only impacted the farmers but has also transformed Gambo’s life and that of his family. “Before the Foundation came, I was farming on a small scale and barely keeping track of my earnings,” Gambo admitted. “Now, I’ve learned record-keeping, business planning, and how to manage resources effectively.”
Gambo’s increased income from managing the hub has allowed him to enrol his children in private schools and improve his family’s living standards. “My children used to attend public schools, but now two of them are in private schools. I’ve also been able to renovate my home and expand my farming business,” he said.
Beyond financial benefits, Gambo is now a respected leader in his community. With over 500 farmers relying on his guidance, he has become a mentor and a source of inspiration. “Farmers come to me for advice on planting, pest control, and even marketing. It’s fulfilling to see them succeed and know that I’ve played a part in their progress,” he said.
A Model for Rural Transformation
Gambo Ajako Angban’s story paints a picture of the power of targeted support and community-driven solutions in transforming rural agriculture. By establishing the farmers’ hub in Zango-Gitata, the Foundation has created a platform that empowers farmers with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive.
The collaboration between the Foundation, AVISA, and local champions like Gambo highlights a model that could be replicated across other communities to empower smallholder farmers, boost food security, and create lasting economic impact. Through his work, Gambo is proving that smallholder farmers can achieve extraordinary things with the right support.
