AGRA

A collaborative Soil Values meeting helped partners coordinate efforts to improve soil health and strengthen farming systems across West Africa.

 In Lomé, Togo, regional and international partners came together under the Soil Values program to shape a unified vision for soil health transformation in West Africa. Spanning watershed management, inclusive markets, and enabling environments, the program convened key players such as IFDC, Wageningen University & Research, SNV, CIFOR-ICRAF, IITA, IWMI, and AGRA to align on shared priorities and co-develop the 2025 implementation roadmap. Additionally, the World Bank with its regional resilience progra FSRP, the Regional Hub for fertilizer and Soil Health for ECOWAS and Sahel, the private sector like WAFA, also participated for synergies identification and implementation.

The gathering focused on aligning strategies and resources to better support smallholder farmers across the region. Through open dialogue and practical planning, partners worked together to identify shared goals, close coordination gaps, and explore how joint actions could be scaled at both national and regional levels.

The session on the “Convening Component”, explored how evidence can help shape more effective collaboration. Dr. Asseta Diallo, Senior Specialist – Soil Health and Integrated Management at AGRA, emphasized the importance of data and partnership in moving from dialogue to results:

“When evidence meets collaboration, it becomes action. That is what we are here to build—a shared agenda rooted in science, guided by local voices, and owned by every partner in the room.”

Discussions focused on practical steps, such as co-organizing national soil health days, sharing data for improved planning, and connecting soil indicators to continental monitoring frameworks. AGRA shared technical guidance to help structure these convenings, ensuring they are grounded in evidence and inclusive of national and regional priorities.

Beyond practical Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM),  the Soil Values program shows the advantage of leveraging and synergizing efforts for a common purpose. Each partner brings unique capabilities, from research to community engagement to policy support. Together, they are laying the groundwork for healthier soils, improved and nutritious harvests, and more resilient livelihoods.

This kind of collaboration is essential to achieving impact at scale. By aligning investments, sharing knowledge, and supporting government efforts, the Soil Values partners are helping to transform food systems from the ground up—starting with the soil.

At 56 years old, Asabe David is more than a farmer and a mother of seven – she is a community builder and an advocate for change. A pillar of resilience in her community, Asabe has dedicated her life to nurturing her family and the land. Following the passing of her husband, David, she carries the mantle of providing for her children, cultivating maize as the primary crop. For years, like many smallholder farmers, her efforts were met with significant hurdles.

“Farming was our life,” Asabe recalls with a thoughtful expression. “But it was often a struggle, just enough to feed us, with little left over.”

That changed when a local partner, supported by AGRA’s Gender Consortium, extended its reach to Asabe’s cooperative. Through this collaboration, Asabe and her fellow women farmers gained access to vital training and resources designed to elevate their agricultural practices and amplify their collective voice.

“They taught us how to farm better, how to care for our tools, and most importantly, how to work together,” Asabe explains, emphasizing the power of unity. The training also equipped them with crucial advocacy skills, empowering them to engage with traditional leaders and local government to address their needs, particularly the pressing issue of land access.

A tangible turning point came when Asabe received improved maize seedlings through the AGRA-supported initiative. This access to higher-quality inputs, provided without the immediate pressure of repayment, offered a significant boost to her productivity and a glimmer of hope for a more secure harvest. While prioritizing food for her family, Asabe strategically plans to sell a portion later, demonstrating a growing understanding of market dynamics.

But the support extended beyond individual farming practices. The emphasis on cooperative strengthening and networking has fostered a powerful sense of solidarity among the women. Asabe has actively participated in building this network, recognizing that collective action is essential for driving meaningful change. Their unified voice amplifies their advocacy efforts, increasing their chances of securing the resources they need, including land and financial support.

Asabe’s vision for the future is deeply intertwined with the aspirations she holds for her children. While she herself has navigated the demanding realities of farming, her greatest hope is for her children to pursue education and opportunities beyond the farm. The potential for increased income through improved farming practices and collective bargaining, however, offers a pathway to ensuring her children have access to quality education and a brighter future.

Asabe’s journey, facilitated by AGRA’s Gender Consortium, reflects a crucial shift from individual struggle to collective empowerment. She embodies the potential of women farmers when provided with the right tools, knowledge, and a supportive network. Her story underscores the transformative impact of AGRA’s commitment to gender-inclusive agricultural development, demonstrating how empowering women not only strengthens their livelihoods but also cultivates hope and opportunity for generations to come. With continued support, Asabe and her fellow cooperative members are sowing the seeds for a more resilient and prosperous future for their community.

At an energetic pace, Habiba Abdulkarim is more than just a farmer; she is a connector and an advocate. A woman from the Zaria region of Kaduna State, Habiba has cultivated the land as part of a women’s cooperative, primarily growing maize and ginger. For years, accessing enough land to farm was a significant hurdle, limiting their potential and their harvests.

“We often worried about where we would find land to plant,” Habiba recalls, her brow furrowing slightly at the memory. “It held us back from growing more and improving our lives.”

That changed when the Gender Consortium, with the support of AGRA, brought new awareness and a pathway for advocacy to her community. Through workshops and guidance, Habiba and her fellow cooperative members learned how to voice their needs to traditional leaders. Their determined efforts led them to the Hakimi, who listened and allocated 2.4 hectares of land for their collective use.

“It was a huge relief,” Habiba exclaims, a smile spreading across her face. “Finally, we had a place to farm together, to plan and to grow.”

But the journey didn’t end with land. Habiba and her cooperative recognized another critical challenge: accessing quality seeds. Buying seeds individually was expensive and often meant settling for lower quality. Inspired by the spirit of collaboration fostered by AGRA, Habiba and other women’s cooperatives began to network. They connected with other women’s farming groups, realizing the strength in numbers.

“We learned that by working together, we could achieve more,” Habiba explains. “If many cooperatives pooled our money, we could buy better seeds at a better price.”

This collective approach caught the attention of AGRA, who stepped in to facilitate linkages with seed companies. By connecting these women’s cooperatives, AGRA helped bridge the gap between their needs and access to quality agricultural inputs.

Habiba’s story illustrates the power of collective action and the multiplier effect of AGRA’s support. By empowering women with advocacy skills and fostering networks, AGRA enabled them to not only secure land but also to address the critical issue of seed access. Habiba, now more confident and connected, is also encouraging other women in her community to embrace cooperative farming, sharing the knowledge and opportunities she has gained.

“We want other women to see that by working together and speaking up, we can overcome our challenges and build a better future for ourselves and our families,” Habiba emphasizes.

Habiba’s journey, while unique to her community, reflects a broader transformation. Across Nigeria, AGRA’s initiatives are strengthening the capacity of women farmers and their organizations, fostering collaboration, and improving access to essential resources. Habiba’s success is a testament to the potential that is unlocked when women are empowered to advocate for their needs and work together towards a common goal.

“Farming doesn’t have to be a lonely struggle,” Habiba concludes. “By joining hands and learning how to ask for what we need, we can grow stronger together.”

Habiba’s inspiring story demonstrates how empowering women with advocacy skills and fostering cooperative networks can lead to tangible improvements in land access and seed security, paving the way for greater agricultural productivity and economic empowerment.

Sarah Paul, a 35-year-old mother of seven, is transforming smallholder farming in Kaduna, Nigeria. Once struggling with low yields and limited resources, her farm now thrives, contributing significantly to her family’s well-being and Nigeria’s food security. Initially harvesting only two bags of maize per season, Sarah’s fortunes changed when she joined the AGRA-led Gender Consortium Project. This initiative provided crucial training in climate-smart farming, soil management, and improved seed varieties.

Access to quality inputs, facilitated by AGRA’s financing model, enabled Sarah to use high-yield, disease-resistant maize seeds and fertilizer, removing financial barriers. Her maize yields skyrocketed to 15–20 bags per season, and her income surged from ₦60,000 to nearly ₦1 million. This financial stability allows her to invest in her children’s education, securing their future.

Sarah’s success exemplifies Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, addressing the urgent need to increase smallholder productivity and build resilient food systems. By adopting innovative techniques and market-driven solutions, she strengthens food security and reduces reliance on imports. Sarah shares her knowledge with other women, inspiring them to achieve similar success, proving that investing in women farmers unlocks Nigeria’s agricultural potential. Through targeted interventions, numerous smallholders are transitioning to thriving agribusinesses.

Victoria Yerima, a 37-year-old mother of seven in Kaduna, Nigeria, is transforming her family’s agricultural legacy. Despite generations of farming, they struggled to make ends meet until Victoria joined the AGRA-led Gender Consortium Project.

This initiative provided access to modern farming techniques, high-quality seeds, and fertilizers, empowering Victoria to turn her small farm into a thriving business. “The AGRA project opened my eyes to new possibilities,” she shares, highlighting the impact of training in crop spacing, fertilizer application, and value addition. Sustainable farming practices, including safe herbicide handling, were also emphasized.

With high-yield, disease-resistant maize seeds from Value Seeds, Victoria’s productivity soared. “Before, I would harvest maybe two or three bags from a quarter hectare,” she recalls. “Now, I get 20 to 25 bags!” This dramatic increase secured her family’s financial stability, enabling her to invest in her children’s education.

Her children’s success, including her eldest daughter’s graduation and her son’s studies, reflects her dedication. “I will use the money to pay school fees,” Victoria says with pride. She envisions expanding her farm, creating opportunities for her children and community to embrace modern, profitable, and sustainable farming.

Victoria’s story exemplifies how empowering women in agriculture transforms lives. Through AGRA’s support, she is ensuring a legacy of growth and innovation for future generations.

Salatu Idris, a mother of five and cooperative officer in Kaduna South, is spearheading a movement to empower women farmers. Despite urban constraints, her passion for agriculture drives her vision of a future where women have equal access to land, resources, and opportunities.

Recognizing the gender disparities that held women back, Salatu joined AGRA’s Gender Consortium, which provided training in advocacy and resource access. “We struggled in silence,” Salatu recalls, highlighting the previous lack of voice. Equipped with new skills, she and other women successfully lobbied for farmland access in various local governments.

Beyond land, financial empowerment became a focus. Women formed cooperatives, pooling resources for equipment and inputs. Salatu’s cooperative secured a loan, enabling them to scale their operations. They also advocated for greater financial inclusion and fairer lending conditions.

A landmark achievement is Kaduna State’s first gender policy for agriculture. Salatu and her peers contributed their experiences, working with Legal Awareness for Nigerian Women. “This policy is a dream come true,” Salatu states, emphasizing its potential to ensure equal opportunities for women.

This initiative demonstrates the power of advocacy and collective action. By equipping women with knowledge and platforms, Salatu and her fellow advocates are shaping a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural future for Nigeria.

Phoebe Maitala, a 45-year-old mother of five in Kahuta, Nigeria, has transformed her farming from subsistence to entrepreneurship. For years, she and her husband struggled, harvesting only 20 bags of maize per hectare.

The AGRA-supported Gender Consortium introduced new farming techniques and improved seeds, revolutionizing her yields. Training on precision spacing and fertilizer application, particularly the 25-centimeter planting method, more than doubled her maize harvest to 45 bags per hectare. “It felt like a miracle,” she exclaimed, finally having surplus to sell and reinvest.

The establishment of a new processing plant further expanded her economic opportunities. Previously limited to selling raw maize, Phoebe now processes grains into high-value products like maize flour, baby food, and cakes. She also produces ready-to-cook rice and rice flour, and soya-based products like soya milk. “Before, we relied on middlemen. Now, I can process and sell directly,” she explained.

The increased income has enabled her to educate her children, including her daughter Merci, a recent biology graduate. Phoebe’s son, Jesse, has joined the family business, and Merci dreams of contributing to food security innovations.

Phoebe’s story demonstrates how smallholder farmers can become successful entrepreneurs. Through AGRA’s support, she has transitioned to agro-entrepreneurship, proving farming can be a pathway to opportunity and financial independence. Her success is a model for agricultural transformation, showing that with the right support, smallholder farmers can build profitable businesses and ensure sustainable growth. “Farming is no longer just about survival. It’s about building a future where we can grow, innovate, and lead.”

Charity Ezekiel, 31, in Kaduna State, Nigeria, exemplifies resilience and transformation through agriculture. Initially yielding only ten bags of maize per hectare, she now thrives, thanks to AGRA’s Gender Consortium and Palm Valley Nigeria.

Training in modern planting techniques, fertilizer application, and high-quality seeds dramatically improved her yields. “They taught us so much!” she exclaimed, highlighting the impact of new knowledge. The fertilizer placement method proved particularly effective, boosting her harvest to 34 bags per hectare.

The arrival of AGRA-supported processing facilities further revolutionized her business. Previously limited to selling raw maize, Charity now processes her crops into high-quality flour, baby food, and baking blends. “The plant is like a dream come true!” she said, emphasizing her newfound control over her produce and profits. She has also expanded into rice processing, supplying ready-to-cook rice and flour.

Charity’s journey embodies Nigeria’s food systems transformation, showcasing market-driven productivity. She is now a businesswoman, mentor, and leader, sharing her knowledge with others. “I want to grow, support my family, and inspire more young women to see farming as a business,” she stated.

AGRA and Palm Valley have also connected Charity with suppliers of high-quality inputs, ensuring sustained growth. Her story demonstrates that investing in smallholder farmers drives national progress, bridging production gaps and strengthening local economies.