As reported by Nigerian Tribune, 100 extension agents and farmers from Kwara State have been trained on small ruminant production and crop residue processing for improved utilization by ruminants.

The training, held at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) in Ilorin on Wednesday, also saw the distribution of crop residue crushers and pelleting machines to beneficiary groups. The event was part of the Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), in collaboration with the World Bank, Synergy Consult Limited, and other partners.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the capacity-building initiative aims to help extension agents and farmers address livestock management challenges and reach their full potential.

Represented by the state commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the governor said that the initiative also marked a significant step forward in realizing the full potential of livestock development in Kwara state.

“Agriculture plays a pivotal role in our economy, and livestock farming is a critical component of that sector. Our crop farmers, livestock farmers, and agribusinesses are the backbone of food production and rural development. Yet, despite our rich resources and potential, many face challenges that hinder their progress. Most of these challenges have to do with the lack of capacity building and effective extension services.

“The livestock sector faces numerous challenges, including climate change, disease outbreaks, and inadequate access to resources and markets. Our aim is to ensure that our farmers are equipped to meet these challenges head-on, by increasing and enhancing their livestock management capacities.

“Our livestock sector must evolve to meet the demands of our growing population while being mindful of environmental sustainability. By implementing best practices in animal husbandry, we can ensure healthier livestock, improved yields, and reduced environmental impact.

“This is why the State government through L-PRES designed a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing our livestock capacity efficiency and effectiveness of our extension agents and ultimately improve the livelihood and economy of our populace,” he said.

The governor, who described farmers' hard work and dedication as backbone of the state's agricultural sector, encouraged them to complement government's efforts to transform livestock farming in the state into a thriving and sustainable enterprise.

Also speaking, the lead consultant, Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Kano state, Dr. Akeem Ajeigbe, said that the participants are the right people that needed the training, adding that the training was already yielding desired results.

Dr. Ajeigbe also said that the benefits derivable from the training would only be enjoyed by people of Kwara state only, but the whole of the country.

The lead consultant, who said that Nigeria's population would soon reach 300 million people with reduced land spacesoon and land space would go down, added that, “So we need to prepare to feed the increasing population and we need to plan ahead and ensure food security.

“Kwara state is lucky with its soil and weather. So, irrigation is the future of agriculture. We should go for moderate and not really big one to ensure all year round agriculture that will be used to feed the world”.

The lead consultant said that the training programme covered livestock production, record keeping, practical knowledge on small ruminants production and crop residue processing, etc.