BATNF Expands Rice Farming Support in Ebonyi to Strengthen Food Security

In a strategic effort to enhance food security and rural livelihoods, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has extended its rice farming support programme to smallholder farmers in Ebonyi State, marking the commencement of its second phase.

The initiative underscores BATNF’s commitment to grassroots empowerment. According to the foundation’s general manager, Oludare Odusanya, the programme is not just about short-term support but about building long-term resilience and independence among small-scale farmers.

“Our interventions are designed not only to provide immediate support but also to foster long-term resilience and self-sufficiency among smallholder farmers,” Odusanya said in a statement. “We believe that with adequate resources, knowledge, and market access, these farmers can uplift their communities and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s food security.”

Odusanya also expressed appreciation to the farmers for their resilience and dedication, describing their work as the backbone of the country’s food security. He emphasized that the foundation remains proud to walk with them through each planting season. He further acknowledged the contributions of key partners, including the Ebonyi State Ministry of Agriculture and Ecofield Agrolinks Enterprises, pointing to the collective effort needed to sustain impactful agricultural interventions.

BATNF recorded notable progress in 2024 by supporting 400 smallholder rice farmers across four Ebonyi State communities: Eketube Enyigba in Abakaliki LGA, Ndiokeda in Izzi LGA, Ogwulangwu in Ohaozara LGA, and Nduikbi in Ebonyi LGA. These farmers were equipped through practical capacity building, including hands-on training, demonstration plots, and field days aimed at promoting improved agronomic practices.

In 2025, the programme’s impact is scaling further. A strategic intervention has already delivered 1,000 kilograms of high-quality rice seeds, 6,000 kilograms of fertilizer, and essential agrochemicals including herbicides and pesticides to enhance productivity.

Looking ahead, BATNF revealed plans for a third phase of the programme in 2026, which will focus on enterprise development. This next phase will support 100 farmers to cultivate 100 hectares of rice, with added market linkage services to help ensure steady income and economic growth.

BATNF’s long-standing commitment to agricultural development has seen over N4 billion invested in rural agriculture, benefiting more than 1.7 million farmers nationwide. The foundation continues to position itself as a key player in advancing smallholder agriculture and ensuring sustainable food production across Nigeria.