Bauchi Assures Commitment to Supporting NGOs in the State to Boost Agriculture, Promote Food Security

By Ishola MICHAEL, Bauchi

Bauchi Assures Commitment to Supporting NGOs in the State to Boost Agriculture, Promote Food Security

By Ishola MICHAEL, Bauchi 

Bauchi Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture has assured that it is committed to supporting organisations operating in the state with the aim of boosting agriculture and promoting food security. 

The assertion was made by the State Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr Aliyu Gital, at the closeout ceremony of Project Sustainance: Curbing Food insecurity with Backyard Sack Farming', a programme of an NGO, Kairos Initiative (KAI), held at Anguwan Ruwa in Birshi Gandu community, Bauchi LGA. 

The Commissioner who was represented by Abubakar Korau Garba, Deputy Director, Land Management, stressed that the Ministry is ready to give an enabling environment for such programmes that are people driven

He commended the Kairos Initiative  for embarking on the programme which he said was in line with the objectives of the State Government, which is focused on sustainability of agriculture at all levels. 

According to him, "The Ministry is always ready to give support by making seedlings and other inputs available for such programmes anywhere in the State."

The Commissioner added that recently, the Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has approved the training of 1000 youths and women on modern agric extension services in order to boost agricultural production in the State. 

On women inclusion in agriculture, the Commissioner assured that the Ministry has a special place for women in agriculture stressing that, "We are doing everything possible to carry every stakeholder along, in terms of agricultural production for food security. 

According to him,"We are gender sensitive in the Ministry, we ensure that women get between 30 and 40 allocation in whatever programme we are executing."

In her closeout remarks, Executive Director of Kairos Initiative, Dr Mojirola Iheme, stated that the programme was aimed to improve the care level of family nutrition, and improve the general nutrition of the family, and empower women. Teach them that within their household, they can grow vegetables, they can grow anything.

According to her, "So, in the course of this project, we realized that anything is possible. Anything can grow in your backyard, or in a sack. So, we started the project, of course, from there. Development Exchange Centre (DEC), came in, they gave us capacity building, changed our organization. We became more structured, more focused."

Moji Iheme added that, "We started off training 45 women. So, when we came, the Chiefs gave us full cooperation. Everything we asked for, we got. Before we came, we went to the BSADP. They gave us every cooperation. As you can see, Massa is from BSADP. They gave us technical cooperation and everything."

She added that, "And the suppliers of all our seedlings, Gideon, East-West Agro-Allied People, they gave us the best. Came with us to  Birshin Gandu tigether with the BSADP staff to train the women to mix the soil, to do everything." 

"At the time, we took off. It was a journey of learning. All of us, as farmers, we became farmers. Every morning, we were working. We were looking for pests. At the time, lizards were eating up our crops. We went and got for mosquito nets," She added.

She stressed that, "It’s truly been an encouraging journey—one that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of so many incredible individuals. Today, as we gather here, I am filled with deep gratitude." 

According to her, "One of our strongest pillars of support has been Comfort, Madam Radiant Events. At every turn, in every moment of uncertainty or need, we called on her—and she was there. Whatever we asked for, she provided. And whenever she gave us prices, argue for discount and she would just smile warmly. She believed in us, and that belief carried us forward."

Moji Iheme said  that, "Our journey began in February, 2025, when we started planting. At that point, it didn't look like much. In fact, we weren’t sure anything would come out of it. But today, as you will see in our exhibition, it has prospered."

 

She stated that, "Against all odds—through the challenges, the ups and downs—we have harvested abundantly. From okra to Sika and many others, we’ve truly seen the fruit of our labor." 

"Along the way, we discovered new methods. One of the most exciting revelations was that you can plant yam in a sack. From just one tuber, we were able to plant twelve sacks—and they are growing! These hands-on discoveries have enriched not only our skills but our hope for what is possible in this land," She added.

She then expressed her deep appreciation to Dr. Andee Iheme, "who is here representing the Chairman of the Kairos Group, Ms Ije McDougall. During the course of this project, we committed ourselves to documentation—not just for record-keeping, but to ensure that others coming behind us would have a foundation to build upon." 

According to her,"From this, we produced a handbook on backyard farming in the Sahel. Dr. Andee graciously edited it and gave it life. Thank you, sir, for your time, your guidance, and your belief in this vision. The handbook is here with us today, and it will be officially unveiled soon."

She concluded saying,"Finally, I said I wouldn’t give a formal speech—but I guess the heart has a way of speaking for itself. Thank you all for being part of this journey. We’ve only just begun." 

Also speaking, the Project Officer of Kairos Initiative (SSPS Project)

Mathieu Chukwuebuka, stated that the project was aimed as curbing food  insecurity through backyard stock Farming." 

He stressed that, "As we conclude this impactful project, I am proud to reflect on the significant achievements we have made over the past six months." 

According to him, "The project was designed to empower women in peri-urban communities by teaching them how to cultivate nutritious crops right in their backyards using sack farming techniques. This innovative approach eliminates the need for long-distance travel to farmlands or markets, making it easier for women to grow fresh vegetables at home."

Matthew Chukwuebuka added that, "We began the project with 45 beneficiaries, but I am pleased to report that we have exceeded that number. Interest in the project has grown organically, as neighbors, friends, and even husbands of our initial beneficiaries were impressed by the results." 

The Project Officer added that,"Many were astonished to see how productive sack farming can be, and how it transformed backyards into thriving gardens. In fact, one of our beneficiaries was so inspired that she is now traveling to Gombe State to replicate the project with her sister—proof of the project's influence and scalability."

"In addition to training on sack farming techniques, we provided our participants with start-up support including seeds and seedlings. The women were trained in seed raising, transplanting, and the use of organic fertilizers. We taught them how to create and apply natural composts using items like brown sugar, yeast, and bitterleaf water—reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers"he added.

According to him, "For sustainability, each of the original 45 women now manages her own small backyard farm, forming community clusters that continue to grow and thrive. These women have become ambassadors of change in their neighborhoods." 

He assured that, "Looking ahead, our vision is to expand the scope of this project. We aim to integrate life skills, economic empowerment training, and extend our reach to benefit even more women. The success of this project has reaffirmed the importance of grassroots agricultural initiatives in addressing food security and empowering women economically."