Over 100 Farmers Trained On Agroecological Best Practices
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- Agribusiness Africa
- March 10, 2024
- News & Analysis
The Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University Kano (BUK), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has initiated a three-day training program focused on agroecological best practices for over a hundred women and youth farmers. During the opening ceremony, Professor Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin, Director of the Center, highlighted that the training aims to enhance farming techniques while safeguarding the environment. He emphasized the importance of improving farming systems and maintaining ecosystems, particularly given that 2021–2030 is the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. Professor Jibrin noted the significant biodiversity loss in regions like Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi, attributing it to various factors, including the charcoal industry.
This training, a collaboration between the Centre for Dryland Agriculture and the National Programme on Food Security, seeks to refine farming practices and conserve the environment. Professor Jibrin encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training, assuring them of its high quality. He welcomed the attendees and expressed his eagerness to engage with them.
Yarima Sa’idu, the national correspondent for Nigeria’s Agroecology Programme, stated that the training’s primary goal is to help farming families sustainably increase their staple food production. Source: Daily Trust
OUR REVIEW
The Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University Kano (BUK), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is spearheading a significant initiative by providing a three-day training on agroecological best practices to over a hundred women and youth farmers. This training is crucial for the agri-food value chain as it aims to enhance sustainable farming techniques, ensuring long-term environmental health. By focusing on improving farming systems and preserving ecosystems, this program addresses critical challenges such as biodiversity loss in regions like Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi. These efforts are in line with the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, emphasizing the urgency of ecological conservation.
The impact on the value chain includes better crop yields, improved food security, and reduced environmental degradation. Farmers equipped with knowledge of agroecological practices can make more informed decisions, leading to sustainable agricultural growth. This initiative also promotes gender and youth inclusion in agriculture, empowering these groups with essential skills. As these farmers adopt and disseminate these practices, the entire agri-food value chain benefits from increased resilience and sustainability.