Building Soil Health Program Phase-II

GAERS is currently implementing the Building Soil Health (BSH) – Phase II Programme, a six-month initiative designed to strengthen farmer resilience, restore soil fertility, and promote practical regenerative agriculture solutions in Northern Nigeria. The programme is supported by the Rapunzel Foundation and combines field-based implementation with virtual learning to ensure broad participation, accessibility, and lasting impact. BSH Phase II is focused on: - Training 50+ trainers, facilitators, and community-level actors who can support wider farmer learning and adoption - Supporting farmer-led soil restoration practices through composting, microbial inputs, and regenerative soil management - Reducing farm input costs by promoting local production of affordable bio-inputs and natural alternatives - Linking soil health to realistic livelihood strategies, helping farmers improve productivity and income resilience - Strengthening local capacity for long-term agricultural innovation and peer learning The programme uses a blended approach that combines: - In-person workshops and field demonstrations at the GAERS training and demonstration farm site - Virtual exchange and Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions with local and international facilitators - Community-based follow-up through trained farmer leaders and extension actors - Practical group trials and learning-by-doing methods This model ensures that participants can access knowledge regardless of location while still benefiting from real field experience. Why This Programme Matters: Many farmers face declining soil fertility, high fertilizer costs, and growing climate risks. BSH Phase II responds by promoting practical, low-cost solutions that farmers can understand, trust, and adopt. The programme helps build: - Healthier soils - Lower production costs - Stronger farmer knowledge systems - Improved productivity - More resilient rural livelihoods - Expected Outcomes By the end of the programme, GAERS aims to have strengthened a network of trained local actors capable of driving soil health improvements and farmer learning across their communities. GAERS – Empowering Farmers • Strengthening Food Systems