CLIMATE-RESILIENT SEEDS TRANSFORMING SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ LIVELIHOODS IN GOMBE

For generations, smallholder farmers in Gombe State have relied on subsistence farming, vulnerable to erratic rainfall and limited access to modern agricultural inputs. In Sabon Garin Zambuk village, Yamaltu/Deba LGA, fertile land was abundant, yet productivity remained low. Today, the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project is changing that reality, bringing hope and resilience to farming communities.

Through the distribution of drought-resistant seedlings and 250 boreholes and tube wells, ACReSAL has supported more than 2,000 farmers across 11 LGAs, enabling them to boost yields, diversify crops, and secure year-round farming. Farmers like Malam Muhammad Gardi now harvest 10 bags of maize from land that previously produced five, while tomato yields have doubled. “With a reliable water supply, dry-season farming is now possible. We no longer depend solely on the rainy season,” he explained.

Other farmers share similar success stories. Abdullahi Auwal, a tomato farmer, reported harvesting up to 20 baskets compared to just six before the intervention. Bappa Sabo, who cultivates onions, tomatoes, and orchards, highlighted how irrigation support has reduced rural-urban migration among youth. “The provision of tube wells has kept young people engaged in farming, creating opportunities right here in the community,” he said.

The impact extends beyond harvests. Families now enjoy improved income, enabling them to meet responsibilities such as education, healthcare, and social obligations. Buyers from neighbouring states flock to villages to purchase produce, creating new markets and strengthening local economies.

According to Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, Project Coordinator, ACReSAL has distributed over 3,700 kilogrammes of drought-resistant seedlings, drilled 250 boreholes and tube wells, rehabilitated the Balanga Dam canal, and initiated a comprehensive groundwater survey to guide long-term irrigation planning. Mechanization has also been introduced, with multipurpose tractors provided at subsidized rates to reduce labour time and improve efficiency.

These integrated interventions are designed not only to expand dry-season farming but also to strengthen food security, create employment opportunities, and build resilience against climate change. The revitalised infrastructure and climate-smart practices are reshaping livelihoods, proving that resilience-focused agricultural support can transform communities.

As Gombe State farmers embrace these innovations, they are securing their future, revitalizing rural economies, and contributing to broader economic growth and stability. The ACReSAL Project stands as a model of how targeted interventions can empower communities to thrive in the face of climate challenges.

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