Key Takeaways
- NNPC Foundation provided three days of training to vulnerable farmers in Nsukka, focusing on modern agriculture techniques and market access.
- The initiative aims to tackle food insecurity affecting 31.5 million Nigerians, enhancing productivity and livelihoods through sustainable practices.
- Participants will learn climate-resilient farming methods, with a goal of training 6,000 farmers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Training for Farmers in Nsukka
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, NNPC Foundation, hosted a three-day training for vulnerable farmers in Nsukka, Enugu State. The program aimed to equip participants with modern agricultural techniques and market access strategies, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to advancing food security, economic empowerment, and national development.
Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, emphasized the organization’s role in supporting the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda. This initiative addresses the pressing issue of food insecurity, currently impacting approximately 31.5 million Nigerians across six geopolitical zones, according to the Cadre Harmonisé Report from March 2024.
Acknowledging agriculture as the primary livelihood for over 70% of Nigeria’s population, Arukwe indicated that many farmers remain ensnared in subsistence-level production due to a lack of access to modern farming techniques, quality inputs, and competitive markets. The training initiative aims to educate 6,000 vulnerable farmers throughout Nigeria on various modern and climate-resilient farming techniques, including soil and water management, organic fertilization, and strategies to reduce post-harvest losses.
Mr. Patrick Ubru, Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialization, commended NNPC Foundation for this training opportunity. Ubru highlighted the relevance of climate-smart agriculture in combating climate change impacts, encouraging farmers to actively engage in the program for shared learning and growth. He reiterated that with partners like NNPC Foundation, the agricultural landscape of Enugu State and beyond could be transformed.
Prof. Michael Uguru from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, further underlined that participants from six local government areas received training in climate-adaptive practices, ensuring efficient crop production amid changing climatic conditions.
Dorothy Ugwu, a participant from Ibegwa-Ani, expressed gratitude for the timely training, stating it has equipped her with essential skills for a bountiful harvest. She intends to share her learned knowledge with fellow farmers, enhancing community agricultural practices as the farming season begins.
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