By Abdullahi Lukman
AGRA, Nestlé Nigeria, and TechnoServe have launched the Strengthening Farmers’ and SMEs’ Resilience through Climate Smart Grain Production and Accessing Structured Markets (StreFaS) initiative in Nigeria.
The three-year program, which will run from June 2024 to October 2027, aims to support 25,000 smallholder farmers and eight aggregators in Kaduna and Nasarawa States.
The initiative focuses on sustainable production of maize, soybean, rice, and sorghum.
It integrates regenerative agriculture practices to improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase biodiversity.
The program also connects farmers to formal markets, including Nestlé’s supply chain, to secure better prices for their climate-smart produce.
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The launch in Zaria, Kaduna State, was attended by government officials, development partners, and private-sector representatives.
Mrs. Adesuwa Akinboro, Country Director of TechnoServe Nigeria, highlighted the importance of providing farmers with the tools and market access needed to adapt to climate change.
Dr. Rufus Idris, AGRA’s Country Director for Nigeria, said the initiative is focused on regenerative agriculture and enhancing food security.
Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable sourcing, aiming to source 50% of key ingredients from regenerative agriculture by 2030.
The Commissioner for Agriculture in Kaduna State, Honourable Murtala Muhammad Dabo, welcomed the initiative, calling it a significant step toward a sustainable agricultural future.
The project is expected to improve economic resilience for smallholder farmers and strengthen Nigeria’s grain value chain.
