FG, PARTNERS ROLL OUT TRAINING PROGRAMME TARGETING 500,000 FARMERS

The Federal Government, in collaboration with agricultural development partners, has commenced a major extension training programme aimed at taking improved farming knowledge, technologies and advisory services to at least 500,000 farmers across Nigeria. The initiative is designed to strengthen the country’s agricultural extension system and help farmers adopt modern practices that can improve productivity and food security. 

The five-day National Training Workshop for Extension Master Trainers is being held in Dutse, Jigawa State, from September 7 to 11, 2026. The programme is being organised by the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and other development partners, with 100 master trainers and subject-matter specialists from seven states participating in the training. 

The participating states include Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara. The trained master trainers are expected to pass the knowledge acquired during the workshop to frontline extension workers and farmer representatives, creating a wider network capable of reaching farming communities with practical information on improved agricultural technologies and production methods.

The training covers areas such as climate-smart agriculture, soil health, improved seeds, pest and disease management, safe use of agrochemicals, post-harvest handling and value addition. Participants are also being exposed to digital tools, including mobile advisory platforms, data collection systems, geographic information systems, remote sensing and climate information services, which can help extension workers provide farmers with more timely and targeted advice. 

Under the planned cascading model, each of the 100 master trainers is expected to train up to 100 frontline extension personnel and farmer representatives, potentially creating a second tier of about 10,000 trained personnel. The organisers said the multiplier effect is expected to contribute to reaching at least 500,000 farmers with knowledge and advisory support, while also supporting the broader objective of expanding the adoption of proven agricultural innovations across the country.