More than 21,000 farmers across seven local government areas of Bauchi North have been trained on dangers of deforestation, bush burning, declining soil fertility, erosion and land degradation.

The farmers were trained under the Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) campaign by the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS), aimed at promoting climate-smart and regenerative farming practices.

According to the Communication officer of FSSS, Clinton Mena, explained that the campaign is being implemented under the Empowerment of Smallholder Farmers to Thrive and Build Climate Resilience through Regenerative Agriculture (ESTRRA) Project, with funding support from the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation and Nigerian Breweries PLC.

The trained farmers who are spread across Katagum, Shira, Jama’are, Giade, Itas-Gadau, Zaki and Gamawa would be stepping down the knowledge while combating effects of climate change affecting the areas.
“The intervention is addressing farming practices contributing to bush burning, deforestation, declining soil fertility, erosion and land degradation, which are increasing farmers’ vulnerability to drought and unpredictable rainfall.

“Through community mobilisation and training, farmers received practical messages on tree planting and protection, preventing bush burning, soil conservation, water management, mulching, composting and the use of manure and other organic fertilisation methods,” Mena added.

He said that farmers were also introduced to earth bunds and half-moons, which could help reduce erosion, slow water runoff and improve rainwater infiltration.
“The campaign reached more than 21,000 farmers, including 12,442 women and 13,850 young people,” he said.

A male farmer from Katagum Local Government Area, Musa Abdullahi, expressed gratitude over the training, saying it had changed his approach to soil management.

“Before now, I used to burn the residues on my farm because I thought it was the easiest way to clear the land. From the training, I learned that the residues could be used as mulch and compost to improve the soil. I will stop burning them and use them to support my crops.”

A female farmer from Giade Local Government Area, Hauwa Ibrahim, said the lessons on water conservation would help her reduce losses during periods of irregular rainfall.

“The training taught us how to make earth bunds and half-moons to keep water on the farm. This is important because rainfall is no longer predictable. I will apply what I learned so that my crops can receive more water and grow better.”

Another male farmer from Shira Local Government Area, Abdullahi Sani, said the training had encouraged him to plant and protect trees around his farm.

“I now understand that trees are not only for shade. They can protect the soil, reduce erosion and provide fruits and income for the family. I will plant more trees and make sure they survive.”

A female farmer from Jama’are Local Government Area, Zainab Umar, said the training had increased her confidence in using organic materials to improve soil fertility.

“We were shown how to use manure and compost instead of depending only on chemical fertiliser. This will help us improve our soil and reduce the cost of farming. I am ready to share the knowledge with other women in my community.”