The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has begun nationwide training for at least 1,884 agricultural extension workers and food security specialists from the North Central states and FCT.
During the training held in Nasarawa, Lafia, on Monday, the fund announced that the program would be replicated across the country.
The training is part of the “Grassroots Digital Extension Corps (GDEC) Initiative.”
Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, the Executive Secretary of NADF, explained that the initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of extension workers across all geopolitical zones.
Represented by Mrs. Yejide Olarinde, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Ibrahim stated that this was the first in a nationwide series of trainings to be replicated in other zones.
He added that the exercise would train 1,110 extension agents and 774 food security specialists, creating a pool of professionals equipped to support farmers and improve food security planning.
Ibrahim emphasized that extension workers are vital to improving agricultural productivity.
“Agricultural extension remains the critical link between research institutions, government interventions, and farming communities. Strengthening extension personnel is essential for technology adoption, increased productivity, and sustainable food security.
“Upon completing the training, each participant will receive a digital tablet loaded with the approved curriculum and extension materials. These digital tools will ensure easy access to training resources and enable extension personnel to effectively provide knowledge and advisory services to farmers wherever they are deployed,” he said.
He added that each participant would undergo intensive sessions on digital extension services, climate-smart agriculture, data collection, farmer advisory services, and modern communication techniques before earning professional certification.
Mrs. Amao Oluwakemi, a representative of the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension (FDAE), described the program as a timely intervention.
She highlighted that a stronger extension system is crucial for delivering improved technologies to farmers.
“This training comes at a critical time when strengthening extension services is vital for increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring that research innovations reach farmers at the grassroots,” she stated.
