A new collaboration focused on sustainable agriculture and market accessibility aims to revolutionize the farming industry.
A significant collaboration has emerged in Nigeria's agricultural landscape with the launch of the Strengthening Farmers’ and SMEs’ Resilience through Climate Smart Grain Production and Accessing the Structured Markets (StreFaS) initiative. Spearheaded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Nestlé Nigeria, and TechnoServe, this ambitious three-year program aims to bolster the climate resilience of smallholder farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kaduna and Nasarawa States.
Empowering Farmers and Building Sustainable Value Chains
The StreFaS initiative, backed by funding from AGRA and Nestlé, will operate from June 2024 to October 2027. Its core objective is to support 25,000 smallholder farmers and eight aggregators in the targeted states, focusing on the sustainable production of key grains: maize, soybean, rice, and sorghum. A central tenet of the program is the integration of regenerative agriculture practices throughout the entire value chain. This approach prioritizes soil health improvement, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the enhancement of biodiversity, ultimately contributing to greater economic resilience for farming communities. Notably, StreFaS places a strong emphasis on empowering both youth and women within the agricultural sector.
Connecting Farmers to Markets and Premium Pricing
Beyond promoting sustainable farming methods, StreFaS aims to bridge the gap between smallholder farmers and formal markets. A key aspect of this is linking farmers to Nestlé’s supply chain, providing them with opportunities to receive premium prices for their climate-smart produce. This direct market access not only incentivizes the adoption of sustainable practices but also ensures more stable and profitable livelihoods for the participating farmers.
A Collaborative Launch Underscores Commitment
The official launch of the StreFaS initiative in Zaria, Kaduna State, served as a powerful demonstration of the commitment from various stakeholders. The event convened high-level representatives from the government, development partners, private sector actors, and the media. Keynote addresses from the implementing partners illuminated the vision and objectives of the program. Furthermore, a compelling case study shared by a farmer already practicing climate-smart agriculture provided tangible evidence of the potential impact of the initiative. A comprehensive project overview further emphasized StreFaS's crucial role in transforming Nigeria’s grain value chains.
Voices of Partnership and Transformation
Mrs. Adesuwa Akinboro, the Country Director of TechnoServe Nigeria, articulated the transformative potential of StreFaS, stating, "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... STREFAS is not just about boosting yields—it’s about regenerating our soils, restoring dignity to farming, and creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for communities across Kaduna and Nasarawa States.”
Dr. Rufus Idris, AGRA’s Country Director for Nigeria, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing AGRA’s farmer-centric approach: “We are proud to co-lead this initiative that puts farmers first — not just by introducing new practices, but by rebuilding the very ecosystems that sustain farming — core to AGRA’s approach to sustainable and resilient food systems transformation.”
Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, highlighted the company's dedication to sustainable sourcing: “At Nestlé, we believe that good food starts with high-quality ingredients and the well-being of the people who produce them. Our partnership in this initiative underscores our commitment to sustainable sourcing and decarbonizing our value chain... With an investment of over $1,000,000 in this project over the next three years, we aim to contribute towards establishing regenerative agriculture as the standard in the food industry, addressing both environmental and social priorities holistically.”
The Commissioner of Agriculture for Kaduna State, Honourable Murtala Muhammad Dabo, lauded the initiative as a "significant milestone" towards a more sustainable agricultural future and commended the partners for their dedication to promoting climate-smart practices within the state.
Farmer Testimonials and Early Impact
On the sidelines of the launch, MAGGI, a brand under Nestlé, celebrated the soya bean farmers involved in the regenerative agriculture pilot project. Engineer Lawan Abdul, one of the participating farmers, shared a remarkable testimonial: “Since I started adopting the strategies, we were taught in this project, my yields have increased by 100%. This was very surprising and encouraging for me. I am very happy with the outcome and thank the project partners and MAGGI for bringing this opportunity to us.” This firsthand account underscores the tangible benefits of the climate-smart practices being promoted.
Aligning with National and Global Goals
The StreFaS initiative aligns strategically with the objectives of AGRA’s 3.0 Country Strategy, Nestlé’s 2030 climate-resilient sourcing goals, and TechnoServe’s established expertise in developing market-driven solutions for rural economic development. By providing smallholder farmers with improved tools, market access, and financial resources, StreFaS aims to scale regenerative agriculture in a way that is both profitable and empowering. The program intends to foster deeper collaboration with government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to ensure sustainable and widespread change across Nigeria’s grain value chain.
L-R: Dr. Rufus Idris, AGRA’s Country Director for Nigeria, Mrs. Adesuwa Akinboro, Country Director of TechnoServe Nigeria and Mr. Alidu Amadu, Head of Agricultural Services, Central West Africa, Nestle at the launch of the Strengthening Farmers’ and SMEs’ Resilience through Climate Smart Grain Production and Accessing the Structured Markets (StreFaS) initiative in Zaria, recently.
StreFaS Initiative
L-R: Alhaji Nuhu Aminu, Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Mohammed Rili, GM, Kaduna Agricultural Development Agency, Mrs. Adesuwa Akinboro, Country Director of TechnoServe Nigeria, Mr. Alidu Amadu, Head of Agricultural Services, Central West Africa, Mr Bege Dutse Bungwon, Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture and Dr. Rufus Idris, AGRA’s Country Director for Nigeria, at the launch of the Strengthening Farmers’ and SMEs’ Resilience through Climate Smart Grain Production and Accessing the Structured Markets (StreFaS) initiative in Zaria, recently.
The Strengthening Farmers’ and SMEs’ Resilience through Climate Smart Grain Production and Accessing the Structured Markets (StreFaS) initiative is a three-year program, running from June 2024 to October 2027, and is funded by AGRA and Nestlé. The initiative targets 25,000 smallholder farmers and eight aggregators in Kaduna and Nasarawa States, promoting the sustainable production of maize, soybean, rice, and sorghum. By integrating regenerative agriculture practices, StreFaS aims to enhance soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase biodiversity, and build economic resilience, particularly for youth and women. The program also facilitates connections between smallholder farmers and formal markets, including Nestlé’s supply chain, enabling access to premium pricing for climate-smart produce.
Initial Progress and Future Trajectory
Since its inception, the StreFaS initiative has already demonstrated significant progress:
- Engaged 12,373 farmers, with a notable 40% youth participation.
- Established 270 demonstration farms showcasing the effectiveness of regenerative practices.
- Aggregated 74,223.53 metric tons of produce from smallholder farmers.
- Supported smallholders in dedicating 1,853 hectares to regenerative agriculture practices.
With structured training programs, active SME engagement, and well-defined market linkage strategies in place, the project is well-positioned to scale its impact to reach the targeted 25,000 farmers. In doing so, StreFaS is expected to make a substantial contribution to Nigeria’s climate resilience agenda and the broader transformation of its food systems.