The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank and the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University, Kano, has empowered 100 crop and livestock farmers through a five-day capacity-building workshop on commercial fodder production and value chain addition.
The training, organized under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), was aimed at improving livestock productivity and enhancing the economic independence of farmers.
Held in Ilorin, the workshop equipped participants with innovative techniques for converting farm waste into quality animal feed, reducing feeding costs, and boosting livestock productivity.
One of the beneficiaries, Ajala Khadija Idowu, a female smallholder farmer, lauded the initiative, stating that it has taught her how to transform plant residues, such as maize and sorghum stalks, into high-quality livestock feed.
She highlighted the importance of fodder choppers, crushers, and cutters in breaking down these residues into digestible feed, as well as the silage-making process, which enhances feed quality and digestibility.
She also noted that the training introduced farmers to the production of fodder from arable plants and grasses, reducing the need for open grazing and helping to mitigate conflicts between herders and crop farmers.
However, participants learned how to utilize farm waste to make compost for organic fertilizer.
Another beneficiary, Prince Olubunmi Isioye, a crop and livestock farmer from Offa Local Government Area, described the initiative as a transformational step for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He emphasized that the workshop promotes self-reliance by teaching farmers sustainable income-generating practices rather than dependence on government assistance.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Abdulhakeem Ajeigbe of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University Kano, discussed the challenges of climate change affecting agriculture, including unpredictable rainfall, drought, floods, and pest infestations.
He stressed the need for modernized, market-oriented agriculture, urging Nigeria to adopt irrigation farming to meet the food demands of an estimated 300 million population in the next 25 years.
He further noted that some of the machines required for fodder production can be manufactured locally, making them more accessible to farmers.
The Kwara State L-PRES Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and pastoralists.
He encouraged participants to apply their newfound knowledge and share it within their communities to maximize the impact of the initiative.
“As you return to your respective communities, I urge you to practice the knowledge and skills acquired and work together to advance the livestock sector,” he stated.
The workshop is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen agriculture in Kwara State, increase farmers’ productivity, and ensure food security through sustainable practices.
