The Sahel International Support Foundation, through the Food Secure Mission, has continued its commitment to advancing food security and sustainable livelihoods across Nigeria and Niger Republic. Between April and May 2025, our team trained more than 120 farmers, including women, in Nasarawa and Niger States on regenerative agriculture models. This intervention builds upon our 2024 achievements, where over ₦5 million in interest-free loans were provided to farmers. The full repayment of these loans, accompanied by testimonies of abundant harvests, demonstrated the resilience, hard work, and potential of the farming communities we serve.

The 2025 training introduced practical, low-cost, and climate-smart methods, equipping farmers with tools to increase yields while conserving natural resources.

Participants were exposed to composting techniques for soil enrichment, zero tillage farming to preserve soil structure, and organic pest control to reduce chemical dependency. In addition, drought-resistant seeds were distributed to strengthen climate resilience. By the end of the training, participants expressed confidence in applying regenerative agriculture to achieve sustainable and profitable farming.

The interest-free loan scheme launched in 2024 not only empowered farmers but also transformed livelihoods in remarkable ways. Some farmers purchased motorcycles for mobility, while others acquired processing machines to add value to their produce. Many expanded their farms by securing additional land. These outcomes reinforced community trust, with leaders and traditional rulers describing the initiative as a revived hope for food security.

In November 2024, the Sahel International Support Foundation – Niger branch marked a new milestone in Maradi. Powered by the Christian Centre for Mission Family and Leadership Development (CEMFLED), the project drew from months of training, planning, and community engagement. The initiative began after the Niger Project Coordinator attended an intensive regenerative agriculture training in Abuja, providing the foundation for hands-on implementation.

Implementation took place in phases. On the first day, the team cleared and mapped the land to ensure optimal use, followed by the installation of drip tape irrigation systems for efficient water management in the Sahelian climate. On the second day, nursery beds were prepared for pepper, tomato, and onion seeds. These crops were chosen for their nutritional value, market potential, and adaptability to local conditions.

Beyond the farm, the mission also touched the lives of children in the community. The team visited Gidan Bege, also known as the House of Hope, a children’s home under our care and support. Witnessing the children thriving reinforced the conviction that food security goes beyond crops—it is about nourishing lives and building strong communities.

Today, a second cycle of farming is underway, building on lessons learned from the first season and strengthening regenerative agriculture practices for year-round production. Early field visits already show improved crop resilience, offering hope for consistent harvests in the future.

Looking ahead, our focus is on monitoring crop growth while applying organic soil improvement methods. We will expand training opportunities to more farmers and volunteers, integrate farm produce into local nutrition programs, especially for the children at Gidan Bege, and explore market linkages to turn harvests into sustainable income.

From Nasarawa to Niger, and from the first planting cycle in Maradi to the new season underway, the Food Secure Mission is proving that with vision, teamwork, and God’s grace, abundance can flourish even in challenging environments. This project continues to affirm our belief that regenerative agriculture is not just about farming—it is about restoring the land, empowering communities, and ensuring that no family goes hungry.