Tourba expands carbon farming initiative

… targets 1m hectares by 2030

Tourba, an agri-tech and nature-based solutions developer, has expanded its carbon farming initiative, now targeting the engagement of farmers across 1 million hectares. The initiative aims to boost agricultural yields while integrating farmers into the global carbon market.

The firm organised a one-day event that brought together smallholder farmers, local communities, and key agricultural stakeholders in Kano yesterday. It converged stakeholders to discuss the benefits of regenerative agriculture and how Nigerian farmers can earn revenue through carbon credits.

The firm noted that during the pilot phase, Tourba initially targeted 10,000 hectares but exceeded expectations, achieving 15,000 hectares of land under sustainable agricultural practices.

Farmers who attended the event were introduced to the revenue-sharing model, which ensures that larger percent of the proceeds from carbon credit sales go directly to them.

Additionally, Tourba provides support by covering initial costs, required for the certification process including soil testing as well as technical support to farmers making it easier for farmers to participate. Tourba uses GPS-enabled monitoring tools, satellite imagery, and third-party audits to verify carbon sequestration. Farmers provide geotagged and timestamped data, ensuring accountability and accuracy in reporting.

Speaking on the initiative’s impact, Head of Operations Tourba Borris Naguet highlighted how the company’s approach is transforming agricultural practices in Nigeria.

Naguet said: “The impact of our programme extends beyond sustainability. It provides financial incentives we provide support in the value chain for farmers while improving soil health and increasing crop productivity.”

On its target for Nigeria, Head of Operations Tourba Borris Naguet said: “In one year of our launch, we requited around 15,000 hectares, but it is only the beginning. We are aiming for 1 million hectares in Nigeria until 2028, as we are working mainly with smallholder farmers, so about 1 million farmers in 2030, that’s our target.

Explaining how the carbon credit system works for farmers he said: “Farmers earn carbon credits by adopting sustainable farming practices that increase carbon sequestration in soil and biomass. Tourba quantifies and certifies the carbon captured, and will sell the credits on global markets, and ensures that a majority of the proceeds go back to participating farmers.”

Farmers at the event expressed enthusiasm for the programme, citing the opportunity to diversify income sources beyond traditional crop sales. One farmer shared his optimism, he noted that this initiative is a game-changer.

Speaking on its successes outside Nigeria, Country Manager, Tourba, Opeoluwa Filani said: “Regenerative agriculture and carbon farming have been successful in countries like India. Nigerian farmers can learn from their structured land tenure policies, efficient carbon verification methods, and strong government partnerships that enable program scalability.”

He added: “For us, it is about impact and how we can develop this culture of long-term sustainable farming and regenerative farming practices with the farmers which would benefit both the farmers, the environment and the state.”

Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Environment, Kano State, Dahiru Mohammed Hasim emphasised the importance of addressing climate change in today’s agricultural landscape.
“I believe that Tourba provides an opportunity to enhance resilience in Nigeria while also promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The success of this project will depend on inclusivity and we must ensure that all stakeholders are actively involved,” he said.

Tourba plan includes working with more smallholder farmers in states such as Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Oyo. The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s climate goals while driving economic opportunities for rural farmers. With an ambitious target of 1 million hectares, in Nigeria and 6 million hectares globally by 2030, Tourba aims to solidify its role in transforming Nigerian agriculture through sustainability, higher yields, and increased farmer participation in the global carbon market.