AgricFocusNG Partners with Kaduna NGO and State Government to Launch “Farmers Token Initiative” for Food Security and Empowerment in Northern Nigeria

In response to the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Northern Nigeria—where insecurity, displacement, and economic hardships have left millions struggling to make ends meet—AgricfocusNG, in collaboration with Hasbil Care Foundation and the Kaduna State Government, is launching a new initiative aimed at restoring livelihoods, bolstering food security, and empowering displaced farmers. This groundbreaking program, called the “Farmers Token Initiative,” will provide essential agricultural inputs to 500 displaced farmers in two local government areas of Kaduna State, supporting them in returning to farming and revitalizing their communities.

Addressing a Critical Need in Northern Nigeria

Northern Nigeria has faced a series of crises in recent years, from escalating conflicts between farmers and herders to economic displacement and increasing poverty. Statistics show that Kaduna State alone has over 1 million out-of-school children and thousands of families displaced due to these security challenges. The crisis has not only disrupted education but has also devastated local agriculture, leading to widespread food insecurity. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the North contributes around 40% of Nigeria’s food supply, making the restoration of farming in these areas critical to the nation’s food security goals.

Empowering Farmers through the “Farmers Token Initiative”

The Farmers Token Initiative is designed to empower displaced farmers by giving them the resources they need to resume agricultural activities, which are vital to their communities and the larger region. Each farmer selected for this program will receive a digital “farmer’s token” in the form of a voucher, which they can redeem for inputs like fertilizers, seeds, and grains. This system, developed in collaboration with Hasbil Care Foundation and supported by local suppliers, is both accessible and practical, allowing farmers to access inputs easily from accredited vendors near them.

The program is set to launch in time for the March planting season, with the goal of empowering farmers in two Kaduna local governments. In its first phase, the Farmers Token Initiative will support 500 farmers, with plans to scale up based on its success. AgricfocusNG is working closely with community leaders to ensure that those most in need, including families who have lost their primary source of income and have been unable to secure alternative employment, are prioritized.

How the Program Works

Farmers in the selected areas of Kaduna can register on the AgricfocusNG platform, providing basic information about their farm size, crop preferences, and family needs. Once verified, they will receive a digital voucher, redeemable for essential inputs from selected suppliers within their region. By using local suppliers, AgricfocusNG aims to boost local businesses, reduce logistics challenges, and build a sustainable support network.

Making a Lasting Impact

The Farmers Token Initiative seeks to achieve lasting impacts in three main areas:

Food Security: By providing farmers with the inputs they need, AgricfocusNG expects to restore farming output in these communities, improving food availability and affordability.

Economic Empowerment: Returning to farming will provide these families with a stable source of income, helping them rebuild their lives and strengthening the local economy.

Community Resilience: The initiative aims to reintegrate displaced farmers into their communities, helping to reduce poverty and dependence on aid, while strengthening social bonds disrupted by recent conflicts.

A Call to Action for a Brighter Future

AgricfocusNG and Hasbil Care Foundation invite stakeholders, including governmental bodies, private sector partners, and international organizations, to join in this mission. Together, we can create a sustainable future for Northern Nigeria’s agricultural communities, ensuring that they not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity.

For more information on how you can support or participate in the Farmers Token Initiative, please watch this space, stay connected to AgricfocusNG’s website or contact our offices directly.