The Soil Values Programme, in collaboration with the Nigerian Agro-Inputs Dealers Association (NAIDA) Northwest, has launched a mobile one-stop agropreneurship initiative aimed at improving access to quality agricultural inputs for smallholder farmers across Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch event in Dutse on Friday, Country Coordinator of Soil Values, Medina Ayuba Fagbemi, said nine mobile shops would operate across more than 20 rural communities, reaching about 7,000 farmers in Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi states.
Fagbemi said the model was designed to make essential inputs such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection products more accessible through a mobile, market-based delivery system.
“This approach helps farmers adopt improved and impactful practices while reducing access barriers such as distance, transport costs, and fragmented supply,” she said.
She explained that the system also integrates agronomic advisory services, soil testing, and digital profiling of farmers to ensure that input distribution is guided by data and tailored recommendations for improved soil health and productivity.
“By linking farmers, agro-dealers, and other value chain actors, the model promotes inclusive access, market efficiency, and sustainable soil management practices,” Fagbemi said. “I commend all the trained agropreneurs and extension agents for their commitment to embracing this innovation.”
Fagbemi urged beneficiaries to uphold integrity, service, and inclusiveness in delivering on the initiative’s goal of making agricultural inputs more accessible and affordable to smallholder farmers.
Engr. Abdullahi Muhammed, Vice President (Northwest) of NAIDA, advised beneficiaries to act as good ambassadors of the project and apply the lessons learned during their three-day training.
Dr. Saifullahi Umar, Director of the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency, welcomed the initiative and pledged the state government’s support in achieving its objectives under Governor Namadi’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Representing the beneficiaries, Mr. Mathew Zaki and Mr. Tasiu Muhammed promised to put the training and resources to proper use, while NAIDA Northwest Secretary, Mr. Muhammed Auwal, said the association would closely monitor the implementation of the project to ensure accountability.
The Soil Values Programme is a €100 million, 10-year initiative funded by the Directorate for International Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is being implemented in Northern Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to enhance soil fertility, reduce yield gaps, and boost resilience to climate shocks among 1.5 million smallholder farmers.
In Northern Nigeria, the programme aims to reach 600,000 farmers — including women and youth — and restore 800,000 hectares of degraded land. It is implemented by a consortium led by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), in partnership with SNV and Wageningen University & Research, with support from knowledge partners including IITA, AGRA, ICRAF, IWMI, and ISRIC.