Boosting Agricultural Productivity: NIRSAL Plc Completes Midyear Training for Farmers Across Nigeria
NIRSAL Plc has successfully completed a midyear training program for lead farmers and extension agents focusing on the Aquaculture and Cassava value chains across Imo, Sokoto, Kwara, and Oyo States. The initiative, designed to enhance farmers’ capabilities to access and repay commercial loans, drew over 2,000 participants, with representatives from state governments also in attendance.
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote the Agro Geo-Cooperative® approach to primary production, NIRSAL Plc targeted experienced lead farmers for this round of training. These farmers are expected to share their newly acquired knowledge with members of their cooperatives, thereby spreading the benefits of the program across a wider farming community.
In Imo State, the training focused on efficient fish production models, with over 500 participants gathered in both urban and rural locations. Similar training sessions were conducted in Sokoto State, while the programs in Oyo and Kwara States concentrated on improving cassava production techniques.
Mr. Uche Agabige, Chairman of the Imo State House Committee on Agriculture, praised NIRSAL for including Imo State in this capacity-building initiative. He expressed confidence that the training would complement local efforts to boost agricultural productivity in the state.
Mr. Ibrahim Suleiman, Head of Value Chain Capacity Development at NIRSAL Plc, highlighted that this capacity development program is part of the Technical Assistance offered by NIRSAL under its Technical Assistance pillar. The program, which took place simultaneously in three other states across four geopolitical zones, aims to equip farmers with the necessary skills to succeed in their agricultural endeavors.
Lead farmers and extension agents in aquaculture and cassava value chains were also trained in urban and rural locations across Sokoto, Oyo, and Kwara States. These participants are expected to cascade the training to an estimated 6,000 farmers, further extending the reach and impact of the program.
The NIRSAL teams received warm receptions and commendations from local officials, including the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Akinyele Local Government Chairman in Oyo State, as well as the Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Farmers’ Interventions.
In addition to focusing on agricultural production techniques, the training program also emphasized the importance of forming functional cooperatives with proper governance structures. Participants were educated on readiness for potential protocol breaches and the implementation of early warning systems. Many attendees expressed their satisfaction with the new insights gained, pledging to share the knowledge with their cooperative members.
NIRSAL Plc, an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is dedicated to de-risking agriculture and agribusiness financing in Nigeria. Through its Technical Assistance pillar, NIRSAL develops and promotes value chain fixing initiatives aimed at stimulating the flow of finance and investment into the Agricultural Value Chain from multiple sources.
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