By Abdullahi Lukman
Farmers in Bauchi State have showcased climate-resilient agricultural produce and alternative livelihood products aimed at improving food security, boosting household incomes and reducing vulnerability to climate change.
The exhibition, organised by the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) to mark the 2026 World Food Day, brought together farmers and beneficiaries of the foundation’s programmes across seven local government areas in Bauchi North Senatorial District.
The Emir of Katagum, Umar Faruq, urged farmers to embrace dry-season farming and adopt improved agricultural techniques to increase production throughout the year.
Represented by the Uban Doma of the emirate, Ummaru Lili Hassan, the emir said reliance on rain-fed agriculture alone could undermine food security amid changing weather patterns. He encouraged farmers to apply the skills and technologies acquired through the foundation’s training to improve productivity.
FSSS Lead Brand and Communication Manager, Clinton Inene, said the event highlighted the achievements of the foundation’s year-long interventions in Katagum, Gamawa, Giade, Itas Gadau, Jama’are, Zaki and Shira local government areas.
He explained that the programme, supported by the Heineken Africa Foundation and Nigerian Breweries PLC, focused on strengthening agricultural resilience, improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable farming practices.
According to Inene, the foundation had introduced agroforestry, water-conservation methods, irrigation systems, fertilisers and drought-resistant seeds to help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions.
He said agroforestry would improve soil quality and help reduce the effects of adverse weather, while water-conservation techniques and irrigation would enable farmers to retain water and cultivate crops beyond the rainy season.
The programme also featured a farmers’ market where beneficiaries displayed agricultural produce and products developed through livelihood training. Some participants had diversified into businesses such as bag-making, paint production, soap-making and hairdressing to supplement their agricultural income.
Inene stressed that food security involved not only increasing food production but also improving access to balanced and nutritious meals. He said the foundation was promoting backyard gardening, fruit-tree cultivation and the rearing of small livestock, including goats, rabbits and chickens, to improve household nutrition and generate additional income.
One of the beneficiaries, Umar Abdulraheem, a rice miller from Gojon Jeji in Jama’are Local Government Area, said the foundation had improved his business by providing milling machines and constructing a dedicated facility, enabling him to operate in a more organised working environment.
