09 June 2026 | Sokoto State, Nigeria
The Global Agricultural Extension and Rural Services (GAERS) team was honoured to receive the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and senior directors of the Ministry, on an official visit to the GAERS Demonstration Farm and Learning Facility on 9 June 2026.
The visit followed a progress briefing on the implementation of the Building Soil Health (BSH) Programme Phase II and provided an opportunity for the Ministry's leadership to observe ongoing activities, engage with participants, and review the progress made in establishing the Demonstration Farm as a centre for practical learning, innovation, and farmer capacity building.
During the visit, the GAERS team guided the delegation through the facility and showcased several innovations currently being tested and demonstrated, including compost production, liquid bio-input preparation, Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS), mulching practices, the Root Feast Method (RFM) for water-efficient tree establishment, and climate-resilient farming systems. Participants and facilitators explained the purpose of each demonstration and how the innovations can help farmers improve soil health, reduce production costs, and strengthen resilience to climate challenges.
A key highlight of the visit was the tour of the composting and bio-input production area, where visitors observed how locally available agricultural resources and organic materials are being transformed into valuable soil amendments. The demonstration highlighted the programme's commitment to promoting affordable, farmer-led solutions that reduce dependence on external agricultural inputs.
The delegation also visited the renovated training facility, where a series of educational posters and displays presented the objectives, activities, and progress of the Building Soil Health Programme. These visual materials provided insight into the practical demonstrations, innovation groups, and future plans for expanding soil health and livelihood initiatives within the Demonstration Farm.
The Honourable Commissioner and accompanying officials expressed appreciation for the progress achieved and commended the collaborative approach adopted by GAERS. The programme has successfully brought together farmers, extension personnel, university experts, government institutions, volunteers, and international knowledge partners to address soil health challenges through practical learning and innovation.
The visit further strengthened the partnership between GAERS and the Sokoto State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and reaffirmed a shared commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture, farmer education, and rural development across the state.
The Building Soil Health Programme is implemented by GAERS with support from the Rapunzel Foundation and in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), and several local and international knowledge partners.
As field activities continue throughout the rainy season, the Demonstration Farm and Learning Facility remains a growing platform for testing, learning, and sharing practical solutions that contribute to healthier soils, stronger livelihoods, and more resilient farming communities.
Healthy Soils • Stronger Farmers • Sustainable Futures