By George George Idowu
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has provided training to 100 farmers in Taraba State on aquaculture and homestead practices to enhance food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods.
The training, held in Jalingo, was conducted by Ahmed Muhammed, an FAO Fishery and Aquaculture expert, and was funded by the government of Norway.
Mr. Muhammed highlighted that the training is part of FAO’s broader initiative aimed at improving food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods across Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Taraba States.
He emphasized that the three-day program was more practical than theoretical, focusing on essential skills such as site selection, pond excavation, shaping techniques, and pond lining and sealing.
A notable innovation introduced in the training was the integration of aquaculture with homestead gardening.
Participants were also taught how to use wastewater from fish farming to irrigate a variety of vegetables, thereby maximizing resource use and promoting sustainability.
“The water reticulation segment of the training will further equip beneficiaries with the knowledge to design and install effective water supply and drainage systems, ensuring optimal water flow and quality control,” Mr. Muhammed explained.
In addition to technical skills, the FAO will support the formation and organization of community groups dedicated to aquaculture projects.
The training also covered aspects of group management, defining roles and responsibilities, and conflict resolution to ensure the sustainability and success of these initiatives.
The initiative reflects FAO’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the livelihoods of farmers in Nigeria’s northeastern region.