Smallholder farmers adopting regenerative agricultural practices have received financial incentives from Nestlé Nigeria as part of efforts to promote sustainable farming, restore degraded land and strengthen climate resilience.
The incentives were presented during the 2026 International Day of Desertification and Drought commemorated in Zaria, where government officials, development partners, agricultural experts, agribusinesses and farmers gathered to advocate increased investment in land restoration and climate-smart agriculture.
According to the organisers, the financial rewards are intended to encourage more farmers to adopt environmentally sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, conserve natural resources and enhance long-term agricultural productivity.
Nestlé Nigeria noted that regenerative agriculture plays a critical role in addressing land degradation, improving biodiversity, increasing water retention and reducing the impact of climate change on farming systems.
The company emphasized that supporting smallholder farmers through financial incentives and technical assistance will help accelerate the transition to more sustainable agricultural production while improving rural livelihoods.
Participants at the event highlighted the importance of promoting climate-smart farming techniques such as cover cropping, crop rotation, agroforestry, conservation tillage and efficient soil and water management to restore degraded landscapes.
They also called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners, private-sector organisations and farming communities to expand investment in sustainable land management and climate adaptation initiatives.
Stakeholders noted that encouraging regenerative agriculture is essential to improving food security, increasing farmers resilience to climate shocks and safeguarding agricultural ecosystems for future generations.
Nestlé Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture through partnerships that empower farmers, promote environmental stewardship and contribute to the development of a resilient and productive agricultural sector in Nigeria.
