By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
The FCT Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, as part of its Technical Assistance and Capacity Building activities for Staff of Relevant Public Institutions in the territory, conducted a training session for field officers on good agricultural practices (GAP) for Technical staff of FCT Agricultural Development Programme in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The FCT- Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) Coordinator, Hajiya Umma Abubakar who was represented by the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Dr. Omole Olateju, during the training on Tuesday said the primary objective of the training is to build the capacity of FCT ADP field officers to train farmers on Good Agricultural Practices with a view to improving their production, productivity and promoting the adoption of best practices in agriculture.Â
According to her, the training on good agricultural practices is a significant step towards enhancing the capacity of field officers and improving agricultural productivity in the FCT. With the support of SAPZ project, farmers in the six area councils can look forward to increased access to extension services, improved productivity, and enhanced food security.
“The SAPZ program she said, is a collaborative initiative between the Nigerian Government, the African Development Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank. Its primary goal is to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector by creating agro-industrial hubs that drive productivity, enhance food security, and create jobs.”
She hinted that the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project with funding from the Islami Development Bank is establishing an Agro-Industrial Hub in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada Area Council, and two Agricultural Transformation Centres(ATCs), in Paikon Kore and Karshi grazing reserves in Gwagwalada and Municipal Area Council respectively.
This hub focuses on the beef and dairy value chains, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and economic growth, particularly in the Territory and in Nigeria at large.
The Acting Programme, FCT-ADP, Mr. Godfrey Ugwoke expressed his appreciation to the Project Implementation Unit of the FCT SAPZ for the support provided to the FCT ADP by the project.
He said the training program will equip field officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to train farmers in rural areas on best practices in agriculture. This approach is designed to reach a larger number of farmers, as it is not feasible for all farmers to attend the training sessions in person.
According to him, the training program covers various aspects of agriculture, but specifically some selected livestock and crops value chains. Subject matter specialists in these fields are trained to provide expert guidance to farmers, enhancing their productivity and efficiency.
One of the participants, Cheri Gershom Daudu from Kuje area council appreciated the organizers, saying the training has equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective extension services to farmers in his area.
Also, Obinatu Felicity Cynthia, a participant from the Gwagwalada Headquarters, expressed her appreciation for the training program, highlighting its relevance and timeliness. “The training is expected to benefit farmers, particularly with the upcoming rainy season, saying the training program has received positive feedback from participants, who recognize its potential to benefit farmers and enhance agricultural productivity in the six area councils.
