Oxfam Launches Gidan Gona Hub: Boosting Organic Farming & Food Security in Plateau State
Oxfam Interim Country Director, alongside partners and government stakeholders, holding farm harvests in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Photo Credit: Maxwell Osarenkhoe/Oxfam
In a significant move to advance sustainable agriculture and enhance food security, Oxfam proudly launched the Gidan Gona Hub on June 16, 2025. This innovative farmhouse and market initiative, a collaborative effort with COCIN Community Development Panyam (CCDP) and Urban Food Crews, and supported by AGILE, is set to revolutionize farming practices across Plateau State. Located strategically in Jos (Little Rayfield) with future hubs planned for Kuru, Kwang, and Yan Trailer, the Gidan Gona Hub champions agroecology and organic farming methods.
At the launch ceremony, Daniel McCormick, Oxfam Interim Country Director, expressed profound gratitude for the invaluable support from partners and the government. He passionately encouraged local farmers to commit to sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the long-term benefits for both individuals and the wider community.
Yusuf Pamancha, Chairman of the Urban Food Crews Network Plateau State, highlighted the Gidan Gona Hub's core mission: providing healthy, organic food products. He described the market as a "pioneering concept" that will expand to benefit more local government areas. Pamancha underscored the initiative's aim to transform crop production and consumption patterns, ensuring that farmers' dedication is justly recognized and appreciated.
The critical need for organic farming was a central theme, articulated by Prof. Patrick Kwaghe, DEAN Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos. Prof. Kwaghe recalled how past reliance on excessive chemical use in Nigerian agricultural produce led to international trade embargos, impacting the nation's market share. He asserted, "Any initiative that uses organic method in agricultural production is a welcome idea," predicting that a return to chemical-free farming will lead to the lifting of these bans, reopening export opportunities and significantly boosting Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings.
Peggy Maimaji, Ag. Just Economies Manager at Oxfam, articulated Oxfam's strategic view of urban farming as a "critical answer to build urban resilience in cities like Jos." She elaborated on how the Urban Food Hive Project (UFH) is already converting urban agriculture into sustainable livelihoods. This is achieved by empowering farmers through agroecology and organic farming techniques, including circular economy methods like converting organic waste into compost. "Through UFH, we have already empowered 1,800 households, formed 4 Urban Farming Crews (UFCs), and helped farmers achieve an impressive average net profit of ₦411,400.00 (approximately 266 USD) by cultivating diverse crops," Maimaji stated. She emphasized that the Gidan Gona Hub directly connects smallholder farmers with buyers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring maximum profit for their produce.
Samson Ishaku Bugama, Plateau State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, reaffirmed the state government's unwavering commitment to creating an enabling environment for agriculture and agribusiness. He stressed that robust agricultural engagement is fundamental to achieving food security and sufficiency, thereby preventing societal hunger and instability.
The launch of the Gidan Gona Hub marks a pivotal moment for Plateau State. This initiative powerfully demonstrates the impact of collaborative action in building a more sustainable, equitable, and food-secure future for local communities.
