Empowering 25,000 Farmers for Sustainable Grain Production in Kaduna and Nasarawa States
Zaria, Kaduna State | May 6, 2025 — In a landmark move to accelerate climate-resilient agriculture in Nigeria, AGRA, Nestlé Nigeria, and TechnoServe have unveiled the Strengthening Farmers’ and SMEs’ Resilience through Climate Smart Grain Production and Accessing the Structured Markets (StreFaS) initiative — a multi-year program designed to revolutionize sustainable farming and market integration.
The StreFaS initiative, which runs from June 2024 to October 2027, aims to directly support 25,000 smallholder farmers and eight aggregators across Kaduna and Nasarawa States. Focused on the sustainable production of maize, soybean, rice, and sorghum, the program embeds regenerative agriculture principles across the entire grain value chain — with a particular focus on youth and women empowerment.
Funded by AGRA and Nestlé, the program brings together critical partners to tackle key agricultural and environmental challenges, improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase biodiversity, and create inclusive economic opportunities for rural communities.
“This project represents a bold commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and agribusinesses with the tools, knowledge, and market access they need to thrive in the face of climate change,” said Mrs. Adesuwa Akinboro, Country Director, TechnoServe Nigeria. “STREFAS is about regenerating soils, restoring dignity to farming, and building a more sustainable future.”
The official launch in Zaria, Kaduna State, welcomed high-level government officials, private sector players, development partners, and media representatives. Keynote addresses and a compelling case study from a local climate-smart farmer highlighted the initiative’s potential to reshape Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Dr. Rufus Idris, AGRA Country Director for Nigeria, noted: “We are proud to co-lead this initiative that puts farmers first — not just by introducing new practices, but by rebuilding the ecosystems that sustain farming — core to AGRA’s food systems transformation strategy.”
Nestlé Nigeria’s CEO, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable sourcing:
“This partnership aligns with our global ambition to source at least 50% of key ingredients from farmers practicing regenerative agriculture by 2030. With a $1 million investment over the next three years, we aim to set new standards in sustainable food systems.”
At the event, Kaduna State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Honourable Murtala Muhammad Dabo, commended the collaboration:
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“This is a significant milestone. I applaud the partners for championing climate-smart agriculture in Kaduna. Together, we can empower farmers, improve food security, and ensure a climate-resilient future.”
On the sidelines, MAGGI celebrated local soybean farmers who participated in the regenerative agriculture pilot. Engineer Lawan Abdul, one of the beneficiaries, shared a personal success story:
“My yields have doubled since adopting the regenerative techniques from this project. I’m grateful for the support and training provided.”
StreFaS: Regeneration, Inclusion, and Market Access in Action
Aligned with AGRA’s 3.0 Country Strategy, Nestlé’s 2030 climate goals, and TechnoServe’s market-driven development model, StreFaS is positioned to significantly scale regenerative practices.
Program Highlights & Impact So Far:
- 12,373 farmers engaged, including 40% youth
- 270 demo farms established to showcase regenerative methods
- 74,223.53 metric tons of produce aggregated
- 1,853 hectares dedicated to regenerative agriculture practices
By linking farmers to structured markets, including Nestlé’s value chain, the initiative ensures they receive premium prices for climate-smart crops — transforming subsistence farming into sustainable livelihoods.
As StreFaS progresses, it will deepen collaboration with government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders, fostering scalable change and long-term sustainability within Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
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