100 farmers trained in small ruminant production, crop residue processing in Kwara
No fewer than one hundred Extension Agents/Farmers have been trained under Capacity Building Training on Small Ruminants Production and Crop Residue Processing for Improved Utilization by Ruminants conducted by the Synergy Impact Consultant Limited, held at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) in Idofian, Ifelodun local government area of Kwara.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, at the closing ceremony of the event, reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting the initiatives which were tailored towards improving agricultural productivity, creating job opportunities, and eradicating hunger in the State.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the governor, said the training was part of the initiative to enhance the productivity and livelihoods of farmers and extension agents in the state, adding the present administration has invested a lot on human capital development in achieving the renewed hope agenda on food security in the State, adding that the State government is more determined to impact on citizens.
He, however, urged the trainees to positively utilize the knowledge acquired to have good testimonies for the future.
On his part, the World Bank Co-Task Team Leader for Livestock Productivity and Resilience and Support Project (L-PRES), Dr Chidozie Onyedikachi Anyiro assured the state government of the World Bank’s continued support in the implementation of the L-PRES Project for improved livestock productivity and commercialisation of the selected value chains in the State.
He said the training was in tandem with the project objectives in addressing the key constraints that hinder the productivity of livestock to achieve the food security agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“This training has aligned with the objective of L-PRES because with this, we will be able to improve access to quality and nutritious needs of our animals and we are also going to promote ranching and also mitigate the major drivers of farmers/herders conflict in Nigeria “. He said.
He identified the key drivers of farmers’ and herders’ clashes as competition for natural resources, such as feed, pastures, and water and expressed satisfaction that the training was tailored towards addressing the major issues.
While expressing his satisfaction with the training, Dr. Anyiro said the bank would not hesitate to approve more aid for the Kwara State.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRasaq Jiddah, while speaking, said the training was key in the attainment of access to quality feeds and nutrition for animals.
Alhaji Jiddah advised the participants to put what they have learnt into practice to justify the resources expended on the training and appreciated all the development partners for improving the livestock sector of the State.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the L-PRES Project Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye said the training underscored the present administration’s commitment to the food and nutrition security of the State and the country at large.
Mr Oyawoye further said the objective of the training was to ensure food security for both humans and animals and charged the participants to contribute their quotas to the realisation of the State government’s vision of achieving food and nutrition security for the State.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Professor Abiodun Afolayan promised to utilize the knowledge gained during the training to transform agribusiness in the State.
The highlight of the programme was the presentation of the certificates to the participants by invited dignitaries at the event.
