The story unfolding in Ajimaka and Rukubi, Doma LGA, Nasarawa State Nigeria, is a reminder that when communities are supported with the right tools, knowledge, and partnerships, nature responds with abundance. What began as a project to promote agricultural resilience has now grown into a season of hope, one harvest at a time.
A journey shaped by real farmer voices
When this project began, farmers like Aliyu Atama shared how difficult the times had been: “Since I started farming, no organization has supported us like this.” Those words captured both the weight of their challenges and the possibility of something new. Today, that possibility has become reality.
Across the agroforestry demonstration farms established through the UNDP GEF‑SGP Nigeria supported project, sesame fields are producing strong yields. One woman, moved by what this means for her family, said, “Now I can pay my children’s school fees and take care of my family.” These are not just harvests, they are restored livelihoods.
Nature‑based solutions proving their power
Climate change is often described as a complex problem, but the results in Doma show that solutions don’t always have to be complicated. By combining agroforestry, improved seeds, soil‑health practices, and community‑led training, farmers are seeing firsthand how nature‑based approaches can restore degraded land, increase yields, and build long‑term resilience.
The project’s impact is visible in the fields: healthier soils, thriving seedlings, and over 3,000 kg of sesame harvested between late November and early December 2025. These outcomes reflect what happens when communities are equipped to work with nature, not against it.
Partnership at the center of progress
This transformation is possible because of strong collaboration. In the spirit of Wangari Maathai and in alignment with SDG 17, the project demonstrates how partnerships can drive progress across multiple goals:
- SDG 13: Climate action through agroforestry and regenerative practices
- SDG 2: Improved food security through better yields
- SDG 1: Increased income and reduced poverty for smallholder farmers
- SDG 15: Restored landscapes and healthier ecosystems
APEARE’s role has been to inform, mobilize, and involve citizens directly in caring for their environment, turning knowledge into action and action into impact.
A season worth celebrating
As farmers gather their harvests, one phrase echoes across the communities: “Ebiarede – Our eyes have seen good.” It is a simple but powerful affirmation of what this project represents, hope, dignity, and the promise of a better future.
Explore the full story and watch our latest field documentary here: https://youtu.be/PmcVMK08v8k
To support this work, please donate through the link on our website. Every contribution helps us reach more farmers and strengthen their livelihoods.
