Feed the Future, Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity

Smallholder farmers in Northeast Nigeria face immense challenges, including climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, and limited access to quality agricultural inputs. To address this, the USAID funded Feed the Future, Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) has been working to strengthen seed systems and improve farmers' access to climate-resilient, high-yield seeds. Our latest learning brief, "Building Climate Resilience through Improved Access to Seeds in Northeast Nigeria," explores how targeted interventions are: - Enhancing food security and productivity - Supporting smallholder farmers to adapt to climate shocks - Promoting sustainable agricultural practices in fragile contexts By working with partners, RRA is helping transform the agriculture landscape and build resilience for vulnerable communities. Read the full learning brief here: https://lnkd.in/dqqPT6tt Together, we can create a future where farmers thrive, despite the challenges. Mercy Corps Save the Children International International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) John Rachkara Nurein Abdulfattah Alison Hemberger Lauren Pincus Kristin Lambert Olga Petryniak Raphael Ehiabhi Kevin Alufe Isa Usman Kwaji Barka Peter Jamila Mahdi Emmanuel Emeka Shadrach Gideon. Msc, PMD Pro Maureen Chiedozie Guteng Walnshak Tega Ojugberu Helen Gakarnan Adumun #FeedTheFuture #ClimateResilience #Agriculture #Nigeria #RuralResilience #FoodSecurity #LearningBrief

SHAPING THE FUTURE: RRA TOOK THE GBV AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO FGC BILIRI. The USAID-funded Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity (RRA), in partnership with YOULEAD360 DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE NIGERIA, wrapped up the 16 Days of Activism for 2024 with a campaign at the Federal Government College Biliri, Gombe State. Our interactive awareness session with students focused on the importance of addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by tackling its root causes. We believe starting with secondary school students equips them with the knowledge and mindset to champion safe, inclusive communities as they grow. In his welcoming remarks, the school principal, Mr. Kangu Bamaiyi Zuru, expressed gratitude to RRA and Youlead 360 Initiative for engaging the school in this critical campaign. He remarked, “If students are properly engaged at this stage of life on issues of gender-based violence, they will grow on their career paths knowing they have the responsibility of ensuring safe and healthy communities free of all forms of GBV.” The session included insightful talks on: ·         The essence of the 16 Days of Activism ·         Understanding and recognizing GBV ·         Collective responsibility in combating GBV ·         Building GBV-free communities The session featured talks and presentations by the students and concluded with students pledging to take a stand against GBV in their schools and communities, becoming advocates for positive change. Together, we are building a generation of changemakers determined to create a world free of violence and inequality. USAID Feed the Future John Rachkara Nurein Abdulfattah Dooshima Tarkehe Christiana Stephen Wakawa Adaeze Janice Erondu Raphael Ehiabhi Maureen Chiedozie Tega Ojugberu Helen Gakarnan Adumun #FeedTheFuture #16DaysOfActivism   #EndGBV #GenderEquality #YouLead360 #GombeState #SafeCommunities

Highlighting Innovation at the 7th #Seed_Connect Event On November 26-27, 2024, Mercy Corps proudly participated in the 7th Edition of the Seed Connect Event, organized by the National Agricultural Seed Council of Nigeria (NASC). With the theme, "Leveraging Seed Technology to Scale Up Africa's Agricultural Productivity," the event brought together seed companies, government agencies, agricultural enthusiasts, and academia to discuss key issues such as: -       Availability of quality seeds -       Access to farm inputs -       Extension services -       Use of technology in agriculture -       Development and supply of climate-adapted seeds Mercy Corps, through the USAID-funded Feed the Future, Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) and the TAZO Economic Resilient Ginger Farmers Project (ERGF), made a remarkable impact during the two-day event. RRA partners proudly showcased their innovative seed varieties at the vibrant exhibition stands, attracting significant attention from government agencies, agricultural stakeholders, and academics alike. Our participation wasn't just about showcasing—we were thrilled to engage in meaningful plenary and panel discussions alongside other key stakeholders. The event concluded with an exciting moment of recognition as Mercy Corps was awarded for our innovative interventions in the seed sector in the Northeast. This accolade reaffirms our commitment to fostering agricultural resilience and sustainability in Nigeria. We are grateful to #NASC and all stakeholders for creating a platform to collaborate, innovate, and scale up Africa’s agricultural productivity. Together, we are planting the seeds for a brighter, food-secure future. #MercyCorps #SeedConnect2024 #AgricultureInnovation #SeedTechnology #RuralResilience #USAID #ClimateAdaptation #FoodSecurity #NigeriaAgriculture #RRA #ERGF #NASC Premier Seed Nigeria Ltd. iNterra Networks Albit Agro Solutions

Empowering Women Through Home Gardening Backyard/Home gardening is a sustainable approach for addressing food insecurity, making fresh, nutritious food more accessible to households. In line with this, the USAID funded Feed the Future, Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) organized a Market Linkage Event in Maiduguri, Borno state. This is aimed at improving access to inputs and climate-adapted seeds for home gardening and dry-season production, particularly for women. Participants at the event received hands-on training on home gardening from the Borno State Agricultural Development Program (BOSDAP), whose representative, Mr. Modu Maira, emphasized on how farmers can leverage locally available resources to increase their yields and income sustainably. Benjamin Bivan, the Nutrition Officer for RRA, provided an insightful overview of the initiative, highlighting why backyard gardening is pivotal in combating food insecurity and promoting household nutrition. Additionally, seed companies were present to offer quality seeds, ensuring participants are well-equipped to start their backyard gardening projects successfully. #Nigeria #FoodSecurity #WomenEmpowerment #BackyardGardening #Sustainability #USAID #RuralResilienceactivity #RRA

RRA AND NAWOJ UNITE AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE   In continuation of the 2024 16 Days of Activism, the USAID-funded Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) held an interactive session with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Northeast chapter. The session, which was themed towards “Bridging the Gap of Communication in Addressing the Root Causes of Gender-Based Violence,” was attended by 31 participants from Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, and Borno states.   Opening the event, Nurein Abdulafattah, RRA’s Deputy Chief of Party, highlighted the importance of addressing gender-based violence. He emphasized, “When women’s issues are properly addressed, they are empowered. And when women are empowered, gender-based issues decrease within their communities.”   In her remarks, the NAWOJ President for the Northeast, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, underscored the session's relevance, saying, “Collaborating with NAWOJ at this critical time, amid increasing gender-based violence, is essential. This training will benefit our organization and amplify RRA and Mercy Corps' work in promoting gender equality and social inclusion.”   Participants also shared their take on the event. “This session has reminded us that we are not just female journalists but advocates of change in our communities,” Rimamsikwe Ruth from Taraba Television shared. Rashida Yusuf from Bauchi Television added, “Only women can truly tell women’s stories. This session by Mercy Corps/RRA has inspired us to start telling these stories, bringing to light the untold experiences of girls and women facing all forms of GBV in our communities.”   The session concluded with a resolution from participants to advocate for gender equality, marking a step forward in breaking the silence surrounding gender-based violence. #GenderEquality #EmpowerWomen #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV #NAWOJ #JournalismForChange #WomenEmpowerment USAID John Rachkara Nurein Abdulfattah Raphael Ehiabhi Christiana Stephen Wakawa Adaeze Janice Erondu Dooshima Tarkehe Kwaji Barka Peter Maureen Chiedozie Tega Ojugberu Helen Gakarnan Adumun

EMPOWERING NUTRITION AND CELEBRATING LOCAL CUISINE: RRA MARKS THE 2024 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM.   At the USAID-funded Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity (RRA), we are proud to commemorate the 2024 16 Days of Activism with activities that empower and inspire. A key highlight is our impactful cooking demonstration in Gombe State, themed “Promoting Local Food Utilization through Cooking Demonstration.”   This initiative brought together women from Akko and Gombe LGAs, equipping them with practical skills to transform locally sourced crops into nutritious, delicious meals for their families. Beyond improving household nutrition, this activity reinforces the importance of leveraging local resources to meet dietary needs and foster economic and cultural sustainability.   Speaking at the event, facilitator Salome Yusuf remarked, “Many of our women already have access to the ingredients needed to prepare healthy meals but may not realize their full potential. This demonstration empowers them to make the most of local crops, creating balanced meals that meet their families’ nutritional requirements.”   Participants learned how to prepare an array of nutritious dishes, including: 1. Masa 2. Awara (Tofu) 3. Moi-Moi 4. Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) Porridge 5. Soya Milk 6. Traditional soups, and more.   Through these demonstrations, RRA is not just promoting better nutrition but also: · Empowering women as change agents in their communities, · Strengthening food security by championing local crop utilization, · Preserving cultural culinary traditions and · Building stronger social and economic connections within families and communities. We believe small, practical initiatives like this create lasting impact, fostering healthier households and more resilient communities. Together, we are building a future where local food systems thrive and every family has the tools to achieve sustainable nutrition. #NutritionMatters #EmpoweringWomen #LocalFood #SustainableFoodSystems #RuralResilience John Rachkara Nurein Abdulfattah Deborah Obise Dooshima Tarkehe Jamila Mahdi Esomchi Foundation Maureen Chiedozie Raphael Ehiabhi Guteng Walnshak Tega Ojugberu Helen Gakarnan Adumun Kwaji Barka Peter

NEW ENERGY HUB LAUNCHED IN GOMBE STATE TO PROMOTE CLIMATE-SMART PRACTICES. USAID-funded Feed the Future, Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria in partnership with YOULEAD360 DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE NIGERIA and Atmosfair Limited (Atmosfair-80), launched an Energy Hub in Gombe State. Launched on November 14, 2024, the hub will empower households and communities by promoting clean energy solutions that help them adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Business Development Manager of Atmosfair80, Engr Abdulrasheed Ahmed, emphasized: "Working with RRA and YOULEAD360 has shown us that partnerships can go beyond milestones to changing behaviors and creating lasting community impact. The Hub is not just about sales but about promoting climate-smart practices, enabling us to think globally while acting locally to fight climate change." Hassan Gambo Bissu, Executive Director of YOULEAD360 DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE NIGERIA, added, "We plan to establish this hub in all RRA states as part of our sustainability strategy, leaving a legacy. These energy hubs will remain as evidence of our efforts long after the RRA project ends." We are proud to see how partnerships like these strengthen market systems and support economic recovery, proving the power of community-driven solutions in fostering climate resilience and sustainable development. John Rachkara Nurein Abdulfattah Raphael Ehiabhi Maureen Chiedozie Tega Ojugberu Dooshima Tarkehe Jamila Mahdi

19th MSMEs International Summit and Exhibition On November 14, 2024, the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME National) hosted the 19th MSMEs International Summit and Exhibition in Abuja, themed “Economic Reforms and MSME Development for Maximizing Diversification Opportunities for Indigenous Businesses.” Jamila Mahdi, EIF Manager, representing the USAID-funded Feed the Future, Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity, moderated panels on “Access to Finance and Challenges of Collateral Requirements” and “Creating the Enabling Environment for MSME Development: The PPP Approach” featuring insights from SMEDAN Microfinance Bank, Bank of Industry Limited (BOI), The Alternative Bank, NSITF - Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS, and Sage Grey Finance Limited. The event welcomed over 500 attendees, held an MSME clinic addressing regulatory challenges, and showed exhibitions of innovative local products. It empowered MSMEs to navigate Nigeria’s economic landscape, enhance income generation, and create sustainable jobs. #MSMEs2024 #NASME #economicreforms #indigenousbusiness #nigeriaMSMEs

At COP29 Azerbaijan, the global call for decisive climate action resonated louder than ever, and the USAID-funded Feed the Future, Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) is answering that call in Northeast Nigeria. Through innovative partnerships with local farmers, MSMEs, agribusinesses, and institutions, RRA empowers over 800,000 individuals—including women, youth, and smallholder farmers—to adapt to climate change while building sustainable livelihoods. We promote climate-smart practices, from drought-resistant seeds and hydroponic livestock feed to eco-friendly fertilizers and clean energy solutions such as solar technologies and clean cookstoves. By providing digital weather tools and fostering informed decision-making, RRA ensures rural communities are equipped to face the realities of a changing climate. COP29 Azerbaijan reaffirmed the urgency of climate action. In Northeast Nigeria, we are transforming challenges into opportunities, fostering resilience, and ensuring no one is left behind. #COP29 #ClimateAction #ClimateSmartAgriculture #ResilientCommunities #SustainableFuture Mercy Corps

The Integration of Black Soldier Fly technology into feed production has been revolutionary. It has enabled poultry farmers mitigate the rising cost of the usual ingredients in feed formulation. This has also limited the competition between humans and animals on staples that would otherwise be used in Poultry feed formulation. Thank you Entojutu for being a reliable partner in driving this initiative to our participants in the northeast of Nigeria.