NADF partners NBTE to implement national agricultural, technical training for youths
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has outlined a transformative vision to harness the Agri-Tech sector’s potential, aiming to modernize agriculture, create jobs, and equip Nigeria’s youth with critical skills for the future of farming. Speaking at a youth-focused stakeholders’ roundtable organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Abuja, NADF Executive Secretary Mohammed Ibrahim emphasized the synergy between technology and agriculture, highlighting the significant yet underutilized opportunities in the Agri-Tech sector.
To address existing skills gaps, the NADF has partnered with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to launch the National Agricultural Technical, Vocational, and Educational Training (ATVET) Program. This initiative is tailored to deliver training in vital areas such as soil science, veterinary medicine, and digital mapping, which are essential for modern, technology-driven agriculture. A pilot scheme will soon be rolled out across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, focusing on region-specific agroecological needs over six days of intensive training.
Ibrahim further stressed the need for youth engagement in Agri-Tech to ensure food security and drive economic growth. Drawing from his experience founding two successful Agri-Tech firms, he underscored the untapped potential of this sector and the importance of aligning agricultural training with global standards
The NADF’s partnership with NBTE is part of its broader effort to empower the youth and position agriculture as a viable career path by integrating technical education with practical, technology-oriented agricultural practices.
Source -Tribune
Expert Review: Agribusiness Insight for Stakeholders
The NADF’s initiative to bridge the gap between traditional agriculture and emerging Agri-Tech solutions is a significant step toward addressing key challenges in the sector, including food security, unemployment, and skills deficits. By integrating vocational training with cutting-edge agricultural technology, the program offers a roadmap for sustainable agricultural development while empowering Nigerian youth.
For agri-food stakeholders, this initiative opens up several avenues for collaboration and investment:
1. Workforce Development: The ATVET program will produce a generation of skilled agricultural workers with expertise in digital mapping, soil science, and veterinary medicine. Stakeholders should collaborate with NADF to design specialized training modules aligned with industry needs.
2. Agri-Tech Innovation: With the Agri-Tech sector identified as a growth area, stakeholders should explore partnerships with technology firms to develop and deploy solutions such as precision farming tools, smart irrigation systems, and data-driven crop management platforms.
3. Regional Focus: The pilot scheme’s agroecological approach highlights the importance of region-specific solutions. Stakeholders operating in Nigeria’s diverse zones can leverage this initiative to target crops and practices suited to local conditions, enhancing productivity and sustainability.
4. Youth Engagement: The program’s youth-centered approach presents an opportunity for agribusinesses to tap into a dynamic and skilled labor force, addressing employment gaps while fostering innovation.
By emphasizing the intersection of agriculture and technology, the NADF is paving the way for a more efficient and resilient agricultural sector. Stakeholders who engage early with these initiatives stand to benefit from a revitalized agricultural landscape driven by technology and skilled human capital.
