In order to significantly reduce postharvest losses in Nigeria, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has launched a training program as part of the Evidence-Based Regenerative Agriculture to Address Climate Change in Africa project.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the project is supported by the Policy and Human Resource Development Grant (PHRDG 1) of Japan through the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The first training session kicked off for 20 indigenous fabricators from Nasarawa State, with a focus on the production of multi-crop threshers. This follows a similar training initiative that empowered 45 fabricators conducted in Kano last year.
A statement signed by the SAA’s spokesperson, Moses Nongoatse, said the training is being held at the Department of Agricultural Mechanization and Bio-Resources Engineering workshop of the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.
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The statement said the SAA’s initiative aligns with its primary goal of empowering smallholder farmers by providing affordable technology that boosts agricultural productivity and resilience in light of climate change.
It quoted Dr. Godwin Atser, the Country Director of SAA Nigeria, as saying that “This training highlights our commitment to reducing postharvest losses through the upskilling of local fabricators, enabling farmers to access simple mechanization tools.
“By building the capacities of local fabricators to produce essential agricultural machines, we are enhancing productivity and ensuring a more food- and income-secure farmer population.” He said.
The statement reads further: “The project addresses the urgent need for cost-effective mechanization solutions that can greatly improve farming efficiency. It further fosters job creation within communities, strengthening the local economy while empowering farmers to maximize their yields and minimize postharvest losses.
One of the trainees, Usman Jibrin, a 28-year-old from the Akurba community in Lafia LGA, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I am truly grateful for this chance,” he said. “I promise to diligently upskill and utilize the knowledge I gain to support SAA’s efforts in reducing post-harvest losses in my community.
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Farmers in my community spend long hours harvesting; the harvest is tedious, and some grains are lost due to prolonged harvest periods. When I get back home after this training, I will produce a thresher and start supporting our farmers to tackle these challenges.”
The Executive Director of the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Prof. Ado Yusuf, described SAA as a vital partner in the provision of practical postharvest solutions to Nigerian farmers.
He explained that the training curriculum covers various welding and fabrication techniques, including welding methods, metal cutting, and safety practices, ensuring participants gain comprehensive skills necessary for producing multi-crop threshers and other agricultural implements.
The training of 20 fabricators from Obi, Lafia, Keffi, and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State where SAA is implementing the PHRDG-1 project commenced on November 11 and will end on November 21st, 2024.