In a significant step towards enhancing maize farming practices, the RadioIITA Farmers Outreach, in collaboration with the Maize Improvement Program, has successfully empowered maize farmers with critical agricultural knowledge and skills. The initiative, designed as a Training of Trainers (ToT) program, aims to equip farmers with the expertise to improve their agricultural practices and train other farmers within their cooperatives and communities.
In her remarks, RadioIITA Lead Dajie Odok highlighted the program’s objective of empowering farmers through knowledge transfer. “The RadioIITA Farmers Outreach is a Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative designed to empower farmers with the knowledge and skills to improve their agricultural practices. Participants are expected to replicate the training within their cooperatives and communities,” she stated.
Odok also hinted that the RadioIITA Farmer of the Year would be announced in due time, urging participants to diligently follow the entire process of planting, maintaining, harvesting, training other farmers in their locality, and sharing the harvested improved planting materials from their farms. Winners for each crop will be selected based on their diligence and success in spreading the knowledge and technologies. These winners will be rewarded for their contributions to improving the livelihoods of Nigerian and African farmers.
The participants engaged in practical sessions at the maize demonstration farm, where they received direct insights from IITA–CGIAR scientists. The scientists emphasized the importance of strict adherence to agronomic practices to achieve effective yield. Senior research supervisors at the IITA Maize Improvement Program (MIP), Tayo Ojo and Olumide Benjamin, demonstrated various techniques and strategies for optimizing maize production, ensuring the farmers understood the best practices.
IITA Scientist Meseka Silvestro stressed the importance of these practices during the session. “Effective yield in maize farming is not just about planting seeds; it requires a disciplined approach to agronomic management practices. Adherence to these practices ensures that farmers achieve optimal yield and contribute to food security,” he explained.
Participants also received maize seeds, further empowering them to implement the techniques learned on their farms. Many farmers shared their testimonials, expressing gratitude and optimism for the future:
Lukman Oladapo from Omi Adio shared, “I have added a lot to my knowledge; I have been in the field for over thirty years, and this training has opened my eyes to new techniques in maize farming. I am confident these practices will increase my yield and income.”
Abdazeez Ololade from the Ojongbodu community stated, “I had many questions about pest control and irrigation, and the IITA scientists provided clear and practical answers.”
The RadioIITA Farmers Outreach program continues to make a significant impact by combining the expertise of IITA scientists with practical field-based training. This collaborative effort enhances the knowledge and skills of individual farmers and strengthens agricultural communities as they share and apply their newfound knowledge.
Contributed by Dada ‘Bamise
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