Who we are
A locally led Nigerian humanitarian and development organisation, built to grow deliberately from a strong regional base in northeast Nigeria.
Local roots, professional systems
Verdantrise Humanitarian Initiative works with vulnerable and crisis-affected communities to improve wellbeing, strengthen resilience and create sustainable opportunities.
We pair deep contextual knowledge of northeast Nigeria with a commitment to professional systems, evidence and accountable growth. Our programming is anchored in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, with strategic expansion into Gombe, Bauchi and Oyo.
Who we serve. Internally displaced people, returnees, refugees where relevant, host communities, smallholder farmers, women, youth and children across conflict-affected and climate-vulnerable communities in northeast and north-central Nigeria.
Our vision
A world where vulnerable and crisis-affected communities live with dignity, resilience, opportunity, peace and sustainable livelihoods.
Our mission
Verdantrise delivers humanitarian assistance, strengthens community resilience and sustainable livelihoods, advances health and WASH, supports protection and inclusion, empowers young people, and generates evidence that contributes to sustainable development and policy change.
Dignity and do no harm
We protect the dignity of every person and actively avoid causing harm in all our actions.
Local leadership
We are locally led and deeply rooted in the communities we serve.
Transparency
We are open about what we do, what we have achieved and what we are still working to do.
Integrity
We uphold honesty, accountability and high ethical standards in everything we do.
History and evolution
From a community agriculture initiative in Damaturu to a multi-sector humanitarian and development organisation.
- 2021
Founded as Willow Farm House
Established in November 2021 in Damaturu, Yobe State, with a focus on climate-resilient agriculture, smallholder farmer empowerment and community engagement.
- 2021–2023
Farmer field schools
Training in drought-resistant crop varieties, efficient water use, integrated pest management and poultry and livestock biosecurity across Damaturu, Yunusari and Geidam LGAs.
- 2023
A voice at COP28
Co-developed the Youth Agri Champions Demand Paper with the Ban Ki-Moon Foundation, presented at COP28 in Dubai.
- 2024
Networks and research
Contributed to the KPMG market study for the Mastercard Foundation's FRP 2.0, joined ITC's Ye! Community and took part in Jagiellonian University's ECOWAS research.
- 2025
Becoming Verdantrise
Transition from Willow Farm House to Verdantrise Humanitarian Initiative, expanding from agriculture into multi-sector humanitarian and development work. The Strategic Plan 2025–2030 sets the direction.
- 2026
Formal registration
Registered as Incorporated Trustees under CAMA on 4 August 2026, and completed the African Food Changemakers BRACE Programme.
Strategic direction
The Strategic Plan 2025–2030 sets out a phased path from foundation to a sustainable, professionally governed institution, with a possible presence in up to two African countries beyond Nigeria by 2030, subject to funding, registration, security and capacity.
See our six strategic objectives- 2026
Consolidation
Systems strengthened; core programming stabilised across the BAY states.
- 2027
Expansion
Programme growth across sectors and into expansion states.
- 2028–29
Regional growth
Institutional consolidation, evidence and influence, and first regional steps.
- 2030
Sustainability
A diversified, professionally governed regional platform.
Cross-cutting commitments
Twelve commitments that apply to every programme and every partnership.
- Do no harm
- Gender
- Diversity and inclusion
- Protection
- PSEA
- Accountability
- Disability inclusion
- Youth voice
- Localization
- Climate and environment
- Conflict sensitivity
- Evidence and learning