The Atov Foundation for Sustainable Alternative Livelihood (AFSAL) has officially commenced operations in Benue State with the launch of its agricultural intervention in Mbanom Community, Mbaikya, Mbayion, Gboko Local Government Area.

The AFSAL’s Chief Servant, Yadoo Adzer, speaking on Monday, said the launch represented more than the establishment of a new organisation, saying it was the beginning of a long-term commitment to working with communities to improve livelihoods.

According to her, the launch of AFSAL is more than the unveiling of an organisation. It is the beginning of a commitment to work alongside communities and support practical solutions that can improve livelihoods. “We believe sustainable development must create opportunities for people to become more productive, resilient and economically secure,” Adzer said.

Smallholder farmers, community leaders and other stakeholders were in attendance to familiarise with AFSAL’s mandate and strategic priorities, while marking the beginning of the Foundation’s engagement with farming communities in the state.

She added that the Foundation’s intervention was to improve farmers’ access to quality agricultural inputs while promoting climate-smart farming practices and increasing awareness of the economic and nutritional benefits of improved crop varieties.

Also, AFSAL Program Manager, San Sesugh, enjoined the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge gained during the sensitisation and make effective use of the improved seeds.

“Food security begins with the farmer, and supporting farmers means supporting the future of our communities. We encourage the beneficiaries to make the most of these improved inputs and the knowledge they receive. Our goal is not simply to provide seeds, but to support farmers in improving productivity and building more sustainable livelihoods,” Sesugh said.

The traditional ruler of the host community, Zaki Tarkaa Torpuu, commended the Foundation to Mbanom while pledging the community’s support for its activities.

“We are pleased to welcome AFSAL to our community. Agriculture is central to the livelihoods of our people, and interventions that give farmers access to better inputs and knowledge are valuable. We look forward to working with the Foundation and supporting its activities in our community,” Torpuu said.

For the farmers, the intervention represents an opportunity to gain access to improved planting materials that could help increase productivity.

One of the beneficiaries, Terkula Dooshima, expressed appreciation to AFSAL for bringing the intervention to the community and called for its expansion to reach more farmers.

“We appreciate AFSAL for coming to our community and supporting farmers with improved seeds. Access to good inputs can make a real difference to farmers. We hope this programme continues and reaches more farmers, alongside the training and follow-up support needed to achieve good results,” Dooshima said.

Sesugh said the Foundation would continue its engagement with beneficiaries through practical training on Best Agronomic Practices, field visits to monitor planting and germination, and data collection to assess harvest outcomes.

The Foundation also planed to explore opportunities to extend its seed distribution programme to additional farming communities across Benue State.

The launch marks the beginning of AFSAL’s broader effort to promote sustainable livelihoods, strengthen agricultural productivity and build more resilient farming communities through practical, community-focused interventions.