Abuja: The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has initiated a comprehensive training program for 1,884 agricultural extension workers and food security specialists from North Central states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This initiative, titled the ‘Grassroots Digital Extension Corps (GDEC) Initiative’, marks the beginning of a nationwide effort to strengthen the capacity of agricultural professionals across the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, the Executive Secretary of NADF, emphasized the program’s objective to empower extension workers in all geopolitical zones. Represented by Mrs. Yejide Olarinde, the Head of Policy and Advocacy, Ibrahim highlighted that the training in Lafia is the first in a series that will be replicated nationwide. The program aims to train 1,110 extension agents alongside 774 food security specialists, creating a skilled workforce to support farmers and enhance food security planning.
Ibrahim underscored the pivotal role of e
xtension workers in boosting agricultural productivity by serving as the crucial link between research institutions, government initiatives, and farming communities. He stated that strengthening the capacity of these personnel is vital for improving technology adoption, increasing productivity, and achieving sustainable food security. Upon completion of the training, each participant will be equipped with a digital tablet containing the approved training curriculum and extension materials, facilitating easy access to resources and effective knowledge dissemination.
The program includes intensive sessions on digital extension services, climate-smart agriculture, data collection, farmer advisory services, and modern communication techniques, culminating in professional certification. Mrs. Amao Oluwakemi, representing the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension (FDAE), described the initiative as a timely intervention, emphasizing the importance of a robust extension system in transferring improved technol
ogies to farmers. She noted that the training comes at a crucial time, as strengthening extension services is key to enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring that research-driven innovations reach farmers effectively.