Farmers in Bauchi State were urged to develop agriculture in the dry season

Emir of Katagum Umar Farouk called on farmers in Bauchi State to shift to year-round crop cultivation, noting the impossibility of relying solely on rain-fed agriculture. He was represented by Umaru Lili-Hasan, the Uban Doma of the Katagum Emirate, at an event organized by the Sustainable Solutions for Smallholders Foundation in the Bauchi North Senatorial District. According to him, the technologies acquired through the training will help farmers improve their farming practices and contribute to food security.

Clinton Inene, the foundation's Head of Brand and Communications, stated that the project covered the Katagum, Gamawa, Giade, Itas Gadau, Jama'are, Zaki, and Shira local government areas. The initiative aims to build farmers' resilience, improve their incomes, and promote sustainable practices. During the event, participants exhibited agricultural produce and crafts created thanks to additional skills such as bag making, soap making, tie-and-dye, and hairdressing.

To adapt to changing weather conditions, the foundation has introduced a number of technologies. These include agroforestry, water conservation methods, irrigation systems, fertilizers, and drought-tolerant seed. In addition, the program focuses on nutrition: the organization promotes the establishment of home gardens, the cultivation of fruit trees, and the raising of small livestock (goats, rabbits, and poultry) to provide households with additional protein and income.

Some beneficiaries shared the results of their participation in the program. Umar Abdulrahim, a rice farmer from Dogon Jeji, received processing equipment and a facility, which allowed him to register his company and launch branded packaging. Sulaiman Auwal improved access to quality seed for unpredictable rainfall patterns, and Hauwa Muhammad developed skills in making local caps to generate additional income.