CaRE-NGO, UNDP GEF-SGP Train 150 Kaduna Farmers on Climate Smart Agriculture
By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
http://www.newsportng.com.ng Care and Action Research (CaRE-NGO), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Global Environment Facility – Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) Nigeria, has commenced training for 150 farmers in Climate Smart Agriculture, in Sabon-Tasha, Kaduna.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening food security and mitigating the impact of climate change.
Speaking at the opening of the programme in Kaduna on Tuesday, Project Officer of CaRE-NGO, Mr. Dogo Mendos, said the training focuses on critical areas, including the conversion of agricultural waste, insect farming, and urban farming.
He explained that participants will be introduced to modern techniques that enable them to maximize limited spaces for farming, such as rooftops, sacks, and bowls.
According to him, the project will also provide alternatives for animal and fish feed through the use of agricultural by-products like groundnut shells and maize cobs, which are usually discarded.
“We discovered through proximate analysis that these waste materials contain nutrients that can be processed into animal feeds. With supplements, they can compete favourably with feeds available in the market,” he said.
Mendos added that the training, which is expected to run between six months and one year, will cover areas such as beekeeping, organic alternatives to conventional practices, and the cultivation of Azolla, a water-based plant that can be used as feed for poultry and fish.
He stressed that the programme is completely free for participants, noting that over 150 people are expected to benefit.
On the motivation behind the initiative, Mendos identified climate change and insecurity as the major challenges facing farmers in Kaduna State.
“Many farmers can no longer access distant farmlands because of insecurity. With this initiative, we are showing them how to safely maximize small spaces within their communities,” he said.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of CaRE-NGO, Professor Bala Dogo, explained that the training is designed to build community resilience and reduce dependence on chemical-based farming.
He stated that the approach prioritises organic practices such as mulching, which conserves soil moisture and enables crops to thrive even when there is little rainfall.
Professor Dogo further stressed that agricultural waste should no longer be considered useless but as a resource that can be transformed into valuable products, thereby reducing the effects of climate change.
One of the participants, Mr. Shuaibu Wahala, expressed excitement over the training, saying it had changed his perception of farming.
“I never believed yam could be cultivated in sacks until I practiced it at home and saw it grow successfully. With these techniques, one does not need large farmland to farm effectively,” he said.
The training is expected to equip farmers with practical skills that will improve food security, enhance livelihoods, and promote environmental sustainability in Kaduna and beyond.
