One Acre Fund Begins 2026 Input Distribution to 88,965 Farmers in Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger

By Israel Adamu | Jos

One Acre Fund has officially launched the distribution of agricultural inputs to 88,965 smallholder farmers across Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Kwara States as part of its 2026 farming season support programme.

The flag-off ceremonies, held simultaneously on Thursday, May 21, 2026, across the three northern states, brought together government officials, traditional rulers, farmer associations, security agencies, and representatives of the organisation.

According to One Acre Fund, the intervention will deliver about 9,000 metric tonnes of improved agricultural inputs under its credit-based support scheme, designed to improve productivity among smallholder farmers.

State breakdown of beneficiaries

Niger State recorded the highest number of beneficiaries with 59,665 farmers, followed by Nasarawa State with 18,650 farmers, Kwara State with 6,800 farmers, and Plateau State with 3,850 farmers.

In Niger State, beneficiaries are distributed across Minna (23,100 farmers), Lapai (16,995 farmers), and Bida (19,570 farmers).

In Nasarawa State, 9,600 farmers will benefit in Lafia, 5,200 in Akwanga, and 3,850 in Keffi.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, One Acre Fund Nigeria Country Director, Adetola Adegbite, said the programme was designed to address major constraints facing farmers, including limited access to affordable credit, high cost of inputs, and weak distribution systems.

He explained that the inputs are provided on credit rather than as free subsidies, supported by flexible repayment structures, agronomic training, extension services, digital advisory support, and last-mile delivery systems.

“The integrated support model helps farmers overcome the burden of upfront payments while ensuring they receive quality inputs at the right time,” Adegbite said.

The organisation noted that farmers under its programme have consistently recorded improved yields through better seeds, fertilisers, and technical guidance.

As part of its youth-focused agricultural initiatives, One Acre Fund said it will train 40,000 young people, including 28,000 young women, in Integrated Pest Management and Soil Health. An additional 12,000 youths, including 8,500 young women, will receive High-Value Training programmes.

The organisation also announced plans to distribute 19.6 million tree seedlings to at least 700,000 farmers across its operational states to promote climate-smart agriculture, reduce land degradation, and strengthen climate resilience.

It further disclosed plans to scale up its operations to reach over 820,000 farmers across Bauchi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau States.

Officials from participating states commended the initiative. The Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, Matthew Ahmed, praised the organisation for its consistent support over the past eight years, particularly in input financing and tree-planting programmes.

In Plateau State, Commissioners for Agriculture and Environment, Hon. Samson Ishaku Bugama and Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom, also commended the programme for improving agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

The event featured technical sessions on soil health, tree planting, rural service delivery innovations, and sustainable farming practices.

One Acre Fund reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality agricultural services and improving the livelihoods of underserved farming communities across Nigeria.