Sasakawa Africa Association Transforms Benue Farmers' Yields

Farmers in Benue State have historically attributed their poor harvests to witchcraft, but this narrative is changing due to the intervention of the Sasakawa Africa Association. The organization has been training smallholder farmers in modern farming techniques and good agricultural practices, leading to improved yields and livelihoods.

The farmers are organized into seven groups of about 50 members each across various Local Government Areas, including Gwer East, Gboko, and Buruku. Beneficiaries like Msugh Ahura and Wuese Luper Felicia reported that the training has clarified proper fertiliser application and farm establishment.

Ngufan Blessing Chichi, a lead beneficiary, noted that the association provided ₦1.8 million and a power tiller, reducing cultivation costs significantly. The farmers have cultivated 58 hectares with cassava and soya beans and have linked to markets in Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory.

Jonathan Yassah, the Programme Officer, emphasized the importance of collective work and proper record-keeping among the farmers.