The Adamawa Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture Development, in collaboration with Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project, has commenced training of 120 farmers on modern livestock management and climate change.
L-PRES is a six-year development project funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and the World Bank.
The Commissioner for Livestock and Aquaculture Development, Mr Tijjani Marksha made this known on Wednesday, in Yola during a training workshop on Production and Technology Adoption Survey and Analysis.
Marksha represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Suleiman Mohammed, commended L-PRES for its impactful and transformative initiatives.
”L-PRES is doing excellently well, and we appreciate their efforts in training our farmers to enhance livestock productivity in the state.
”This is the eighth in a series of workshops held this year, as knowledge remains crucial to achieving sustainable development.” he said
The Commissioner also acknowledged the support of Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri in ensuring the successful implementation of the project in the state.
Also speaking, the Adamawa State Project Coordinator L-PRES, Mr Alfa Secondee, said the initiative aims to improve livestock productivity across the state.
”Globally, knowledge is key to achieving any developmental strides.
“That is why it is important to train and retrain our farmers to meet the key performance indicators of the L-PRES project,” Secondee said.
He explained that participants would be trained on modern technologies, including the use of smartphones to monitor climate change and its impacts on livestock productivity.
According to him, of the 120 participants, 21 are Divisional Livestock Officers from each local government area, including personnel from livestock pasture development units and local farmers.
In his remarks, Dr Ibrahim Bayaso, the lead facilitator, said the training was designed to build farmers’ capacity in climate change adaptation, mitigation, and resilience strategies.
”It is important to note that livestock and agriculture contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through fertiliser use and animal waste.
”In Nigeria, we must embrace sustainable land management by applying technology in land clearing, planting, fertiliser application, and livestock handling,” he said.
Bayaso emphasised the need for farmers to transition from traditional grazing practices, which deplete animals’ energy and negatively impact milk production, soil, and vegetation.
He urged participants to adopt a change in mindset to enhance livestock productivity and environmental sustainability, through technology.
A participant, Mrs Glandu Sajo, Divisional Livestock Officer (DLO) for Fufore LGA, lauded L-PRES for the training, describing it as timely and impactful.
”We have learned a lot about climate change in relation to livestock production, this workshop has been life-changing and it will certainty improve our productivity,” she said.
NAN
