By: Bello Ibrahim
The Kebbi Government in collaboration with an NGO, Transforming Lives Through Nutrition (TLTN), has trained 210 agric extension workers on sustainable gardening practices in the state.
The Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, made this known at a two-day training of agric extension workers in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
Mu’azu, represented by Alhaji Faruk Garba-Illo, Director Project/Climate Change Specialist in the state, said that the aim of the training was to build the capacity of the workers on sustainable gardening practices and equip them with valuable agric skills.
“The training is sequel to a visit by TLTN project, a project implemented by Helen Keller International, an NGO, to our office, in which we sought the NGO’s support on a train- the-trainer training for onward cascading do our communities.
“The NGO accepted and our reason is that the training is in line with Gov. Nasir Idris’ Kaura Agricultural Development and Growth Agenda (KADAGE) aimed at modernising the agricultural landscape for improved productivity and economic empowerment of people.
“The aim of the training is to build the capacity of participants on sustainable gardening practices, such as compositing, organic farming and water conservation, to minimise environmental impact.
“It is also to equip participants with valuable knowledge and skills on climate change and its impact on our production system, home garden, plant care, soil management, and pest control, among others,” Mu’azu said.
He also revealed that the 210 participants had been drawn from the 21 local government areas of the state, adding that each LGA had 10 participants.
Mu’azu urged the participants to pay more attention and learn what was being taught during the training for onward cascading to the target groups and communities in the state.
The commissioner commended the Wife of Kebbi Gov. Hajiya Zainab Nasir-Idris, TLTN and its partners as well as the state government for their efforts in organising the training.
Transforming Lives is a partnership between Vitamin Angels, Helen Keller International and International Development Enterprise (iDE).
Earlier, the state Coordinator of Helen Keller International, Mr Desmond Ikerionwu, commended the TLTN, saying, “the NGO aims to enhance maternal and child health by delivering proven nutrition interventions.”
This, he said, was in addition to strengthening health and food systems at scale, with focus on women and children.
Ikerionwu also emphasised that homestead food production ‘is a key component in ensuring families have consistent access to affordable, nutritious foods.
Mrs Nasir-Idris, who was represented by Hajiya Ramatu Usman, Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Animal Health Husbandry, thanked the NGO, state ministry of agriculture and her husband for the training.
“I urge women to utilise the training when the extension workers cascade the training on them for them to be self-reliant and complement efforts of the government in improving food security in the state,” she urged.
A cross- section of the trainees interviewed assured that they would cascade the knowledge acquired to achieve the set goals and objectives.
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