The early cultivation of pepper by farmers in Mallam Fatori, the headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, is fast emerging as a strong symbol of resilience, recovery, and renewed hope in a community that has endured years of displacement and insecurity.
Following the successful resettlement of residents, farmers in the area have wasted no time in returning to their farmlands, taking advantage of timely agricultural support provided by the Borno State Government under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
The support, which includes solar-powered irrigation pumps, improved seedlings, insecticides, fertilizers, and other essential farming implements, has enabled farmers to begin early pepper cultivation ahead of the main rainy season.
The initiative is part of the state government’s broader post-conflict recovery and livelihood restoration strategy aimed at making resettled communities self-reliant and economically productive.
Pepper, being a high-value and fast-yielding crop, was strategically encouraged to provide quick income for farmers and boost household food security.
Farmers in Mallam Fatori say the impact of the intervention is already visible. With access to water through solar-powered pumps along the banks of nearby water sources, many farmers are now able to cultivate their plots continuously without relying solely on rainfall.
This has significantly reduced production costs and increased confidence among returnees who are determined to rebuild their lives through agriculture.
The resettlement process and accompanying livelihood support are being coordinated by the Mallam Fatori Resettlement Committee, led by Professor Usman A. Tar.
The committee has played a critical role in mobilizing farmers, ensuring equitable distribution of farming inputs, and providing guidance on modern farming practices suitable for the area’s ecology.
Professor Tar has consistently emphasized that sustainable resettlement must go beyond shelter and security to include economic empowerment.
According to him, agriculture remains the most viable pathway for restoring dignity and prosperity to the people of Mallam Fatori, stressing that “with the right support, no farmer has a reason to remain poor in a resettled community.”
Local farmers have echoed this optimism, describing the early pepper farms as a clear sign that normalcy is gradually returning.
Many say the income expected from the first harvest will help them cater for their families, send their children back to school, and reinvest in expanded farming activities.
Community leaders also note that the farming activities have strengthened social cohesion, as youths and women are actively engaged in land preparation, irrigation, harvesting, and marketing of produce.
The revival of agriculture has equally helped restore confidence in the resettlement programme, encouraging more displaced persons to return home.
As pepper farms flourish across Mallam Fatori, the community is steadily transforming from a symbol of displacement to one of productivity and hope.
The combined efforts of the Borno State Government under Governor Zulum and the Professor Usman A. Tar-led resettlement committee continue to demonstrate that with focused leadership and strategic support, resettled communities can become hubs of agricultural growth and economic stability in post-conflict Borno State.
Ali Mamman Shuwa, Maiduguri-based Broadcast Journalist
Directorate of Information,
Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Borno State
