By Tasi’u Hassan
Extension workers selected from the four states of Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe are currently undergoing training on alternative feed and fodder production in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
During the Train the Trainer program organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO, the participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to train other farmers on alternative feed production techniques.
The Food and Agriculture Organization, says alternative feed is beneficial to sustainable livestock production, as it is cost-effective, sustainable and resilient against climate change.
FAO also noted that the production of high-quality pasture enhances the health, nutrition, production and welfare of livestock, in addition to promoting employment, income generation and resolution of farmer-herder conflict.
It added that pastures play critical roles in livestock production especially by impacting the health of the animals and ensuring the sustainability of the farming system.
In his address at the training, the Head of office, FAO Northeast, Mr Mwesigwa Jasper, says to boost the productivity of the trained farmers, FAO will give them pasture seeds such as pasture grass and pasture legume seeds among others.
Mr. Jasper explained that a total of 40 participants comprising 12 women will be trained for three years, and are expected to step down the training to about 825 farmers and herders.
Also speaking, the Director General, Borno State Livestock Management Agency, Dr Bukar Ali Usman revealed that the Borno government will organise more of such training to ensure self-sufficiency among its farmers.
The theoretical aspect of the training was conducted from Monday to Wednesday, while the outdoor practical session commenced on Thursday, and will conclude on Saturday.
