The last twelve weeks have been a whirlwind from the bustling streets of Kano to the rolling plains of Kaduna and the rugged beauty of Bauchi. What began as a mission to scale an ambitious agricultural programme became a personal journey across communities, cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. In Bauchi, I felt a sense of connection dressed in the formal Hausa atire Mounted on a Horse, walking around Yankari Game Reserve, watched Baboons roam freely, the breath taking beauty of the Wiki Springs (Claimed to be the second purest spring in Africa), felt a sense of awe not just at nature’s resilience, but at Nigeria’s untapped beauty and potential.
But beyond the scenery, what struck me most was the scale of opportunity beneath our feet in the soil. At Tourba, we’re not just looking at farming. We’re looking at carbon, climate, and community transformation.Tourba is a nature-based solutions and agri-tech company helping smallholder farmers adopt regenerative agriculture practices that sequester carbon storing it in soil and earn revenue from carbon credits on the global market.
Simply put: Farm Smarter, Heal the Planet, and Get Paid for it.
Scaling with Soil
We launched operations in Nigeria in 2024 with a modest goal: reach 10,000 hectares under sustainable practices. Within months, we exceeded that crossing 15,000 hectares across Niger, Nasarawa.
Now, our eyes are set on something bigger: 1 million hectares in Nigeria by 2030, impacting farmers directly and indirectly.
What makes our model different?
Zero cost to farmers: Tourba covers certification, training, and tech support.
Technology-backed verification: We use GPS tracking, satellite imagery, and third-party audits to measure carbon stored.
Revenue-sharing: A significant portion of proceeds from carbon credits go back to the farmers.
We hire and deploy Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) to work hand-in-hand with communities.
In Niger, for example, we’ve hired 25 Agric Extension Workers (AEWs) directly and another 30+ through our partners. These AEWs are doing more than just delivering training they’re building relationships, supporting implementation, and ensuring trust.
Community First, Always
Our farmer engagement model is simple: listen first, then implement. From community meetings to door-to-door sensitisation, we’re bringing farmers into the conversation not talking at them, but walking with them.
In Kaduna, we aim to directly onboard 5,000 hectares this year. Through our partnership with Thrive Agric, we’ll also reach another 12,500 hectares indirectly, empowering a total of 15,000+ farmers with the tools to farm sustainably and earn from carbon markets. Similar efforts are underway in Niger, Kano.
And the farmers understand the value. It’s not just about better yields it’s about healthier soil, climate resilience, and additional income. As Musa in Poiko Niger state put it “If I can earn more while keeping my land healthier for my children, why wouldn’t I?”
During our visit to Akwanga, Nasarawa State, we received a warm welcome from His Royal Majesty Chun Mada Pastor Samson Gamu Yari, who expressed strong support for our regenerative farming model. He’s confident his community’s success will inspire others and has pledged to ensure ongoing security for our team and help mobilize local farmers.
Environmental + Economic = Real Impact
Tourba’s work is grounded in three pillars:
1. Economic Impact: Farmers gain new revenue through carbon credits while improving productivity. Local jobs are created through AEWs and partner networks.
2. Food Security & Resilience: Conservation techniques like composting and cover cropping increase yields, especially in drought-prone areas.
3. Environmental Regeneration: Improved soil health, carbon sequestration, and reduced emissions all contribute to Nigeria’s climate goals.
It’s a triple win. And it’s working.
In Bauchi, we saw overwhelming interest from farmers eager to shift toward sustainable practices not just for the extra income, but for the long-term health of their land. As Dr. Iliyasu Aliyu Gital, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, said: “Carbon farming is a win-win. It protects our crops and boosts rural incomes.”
Not Just a Programme A Movement
What we’re building isn’t a campaign. It’s a movement.
We’ve received support from state governments, academic institutions like Ahmadu Bello University, and countless local leaders who see the bigger picture. And the momentum keeps building.
We’re now expanding to new states Benue, Oyo, and more each with its own challenges, yes, but also its own champions. And we’ll keep scaling, methodically and respectfully, ensuring that every new hectare enrolled comes with capacity, context, and commitment.
We’ve learnt that scale means nothing without depth. So we measure both. And as we move closer to our 2030 vision 1 million hectares in Nigeria, 6 million globally we stay grounded in our mission: make regenerative agriculture accessible, profitable, and locally led.
A Personal Reflection
This journey has reminded me that real innovation isn’t about sleek technology or lofty speeches. It’s about people. It’s about trust. And it’s about changing the way we see the land beneath us not as a commodity, but as a living system we are all part of.
Tourba is just the bridge. The farmers are the future. And together, we’re turning carbon farming from theory into a national success story.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-soil-solution-mission-transform-1-million-hectares-filani-awa6f/?trackingId=PISjxoiVS2i5Xnp%2FXCUJzQ%3D%3D
