SAA’s Extension Model: Scaling Sustainable Farming in Nigeria

In northern and northeast Nigeria, where smallholders are increasingly exposed to climatic shocks and vulnerable to violent conflicts, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) stepped in with its Value Chain-Based Extension (VCBE) model to turn things around. This approach was not just about farming; it was about strengthening smallholders’ capacity and resilience through training, practical action, and sustainable methods to grow better food, earn higher incomes, and build a stronger future.

SAA set up demonstration plots—small patches of land where farmers could see new techniques in action. In states like Nasarawa, over 380 farmers gathered for Green Field Days to observe resilient rice and maize varieties growing tall and strong. A farmer named Musa marveled at how the rice resisted drought and promised bigger harvests, while a fellow participant, Aisha, said, “I cannot wait to plant these seeds on my own farm.” These hands-on sessions made learning engaging and practical, showing farmers exactly how to improve their yields.

SAA’s impact went beyond crop cultivation. They trained local community guides who spread this knowledge even further. In 2022 alone, these guides reached over 11,000 farmers across Nigeria, teaching them climate-smart techniques such as using organic compost and crop diversification to maintain soil health. This helped farmers like Musa protect their land from degradation, even as climatic conditions grew harsher.

The food grown was meant for family nutrition as well as the market. SAA taught over 8,600 people in states like Kano and Gombe how to use local crops to prepare healthy, balanced meals. Mothers like Fatima learned to cook nutrient-dense foods to keep their children healthy and reduce illness. To prevent post-harvest loss, SAA introduced hermetic storage bags and containers that keep grains fresh and pest-free. This allowed farmers to store their maize or rice longer and sell it when market prices were higher, putting more money in their pockets.

The broader impact extended across entire communities. SAA’s VCBE model connected farmers to markets through cooperatives, helping them sell their produce at fair prices. Seeing these positive results, the local government in Kano invested in agricultural machinery—such as threshers and planters—to make farm labor more efficient. Women, who often face barriers to accessing resources, received targeted leadership and business training, empowering them to take on active roles in their communities. Meanwhile, youth like 22-year-old Ibrahim joined agribusiness programs and began viewing farming as a viable career path rather than a last resort.

SAA’s VCBE innovations were not mere short-term fixes; they were designed to build long-term sustainability. Farmers now earn more, eat healthier, and keep their land productive. In 2022, SAA’s model reached 455,200 farmers across Nigeria, including 108,558 women. By focusing on people—farmers, mothers, and youth—SAA is creating a lasting ripple effect that lifts entire communities.

Read the full Enabling Environment Success Story here.

Compiled by the CGIAR Scaling for Impact (S4I) program, the “Enabling Environment Success and Failure Stories” is a collection of accounts that chronicles both the successful and unsuccessful efforts in creating a supportive environment for scaling agrifood system innovations. Through compelling narratives that highlight specific challenges, key players, and outcomes, this series is designed to demonstrate how CGIAR actively influences and strengthens these environments to achieve a wider, more impactful reach.