By Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)
The Atov Foundation for Sustainable Alternative Livelihood (AFSAL) has commenced operations in Benue State with an agricultural programme designed to help farming communities improve productivity and build sustainable livelihoods.
The Foundation formally launched its intervention in Mbanom Community, Mbaikya, Mbayion, Gboko Local Government Area, where smallholder farmers received improved sorghum seeds and participated in agricultural sensitisation activities.
AFSAL Chief Servant, Yadoo Adzer, said the launch was the beginning of a long-term partnership between the Foundation and communities in the state.
According to her, the organisation would focus on practical interventions that enable people to become more productive, resilient and economically secure.
Adzer said AFSAL would support farmers through improved access to quality inputs, climate-smart agricultural practices and education on the economic and nutritional benefits of improved crop varieties.
The Foundation’s Programme Manager, San Sesugh, said the initiative was designed to provide farmers with more than planting materials.
“Our goal is not simply to provide seeds, but to support farmers in improving productivity and building more sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
Sesugh said beneficiaries would receive practical training on Best Agronomic Practices, while the Foundation would conduct field visits to monitor planting and germination.
He added that data would be collected to assess harvest outcomes and guide future interventions.
The traditional ruler of Mbanom Community, Zaki Tarkaa Torpuu, commended AFSAL for choosing the community for its intervention and pledged support for the Foundation’s activities.
A beneficiary, Terkula Dooshima, said the improved seeds could make a significant difference to farmers and appealed for the programme to be sustained and expanded.
AFSAL said it planned to explore opportunities to extend its seed distribution initiative to additional farming communities across Benue State as part of its broader effort to promote sustainable livelihoods and resilient agricultural communities. NNL.
