18th September 2025 marked a remarkable milestone in the journey of FarmFood4All, as Oba Global Citizen Africa convened smallholder farmers in Zaria, Kaduna State, for an immersive, hands-on workshop focused on practical and sustainable farming solutions.
What was initially planned as a capacity-building session for 150 farmers quickly became a powerful demonstration of grassroots demand for innovation. By the end of the day, over 520 smallholder farmers had gathered—an overwhelming and deeply affirming turnout that underscored the urgent need for climate-smart agricultural solutions across rural communities.
The workshop introduced farmers to a suite of innovative, field-ready technologies designed to improve productivity while protecting the environment. Participants engaged directly with solar-powered irrigation systems, learned about bio-fertilizers produced from food waste, and explored the use of hermetic storage bags that enable safe produce storage while supporting traceability and market confidence.
The defining moment of the day came during a live demonstration of solar-powered irrigation, which sparked widespread excitement among farmers eager to reduce dependence on erratic rainfall and costly fuel-powered alternatives. The demonstration transformed abstract ideas into tangible possibilities, reinforcing the belief that sustainable agriculture is not only achievable but practical and economically viable.
At the core of FarmFood4All lies a data-driven approach to agricultural transformation. Beyond technology deployment, the initiative captures real-time adoption trends and traceability data that strengthen farmer productivity, enhance transparency across the value chain, and build trust between farmers, markets, and consumers.
The impact of this milestone is already clear:
- Improved farmer productivity and income potential
- Reduced reliance on harmful chemical fertilizers
- Restoration of soil health and protection of biodiversity
- Stronger trust between producers, markets, and consumers
This achievement was made possible through the collaboration and commitment of strategic partners, including Torchmark, the project’s energy partner, Favoured Farmers Community Empowerment Trust (FFACET), and Mojid Integrated Farm Services. Their partnership reflects the power of collective action in driving sustainable, community-centered solutions.
While this milestone represents a significant achievement, it is only the beginning. FarmFood4All remains committed to transforming smallholder farming systems, strengthening climate resilience, and building a food system that is inclusive, transparent, and sustainable.
At Oba Global Citizen Africa, the path forward is clear: empower farmers with knowledge, equip them with the right tools, and co-create solutions that ensure agriculture remains a source of dignity, prosperity, and resilience for generations to come.