Farmers in Kaduna State grappling with land degradation and desertification due to dwindling natural resources and low agricultural productivity are set to benefit from the Farmers Led Irrigation Development (FLID) and Community Revolving Fund (CRF) intervention initiated by the Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) project.
According to Mallam Jibril Dahiru Rufa’i, the ACReSAL Project Coordinator in Kaduna State, a two-day training session was organized for Community Interest Groups (CIGs) farmers.
The training aimed to impart knowledge on best agricultural practices utilizing Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) principles for effective implementation of Farmer Led Irrigation Development.
The objectives of the training were multifaceted, including fostering a common understanding among various CIGs farmers along the agricultural value chain and sharing insights into best agricultural practices.
The ultimate goal is to enhance food production through a result-oriented financing mechanism.
Addressing participants from Kudan and Kubau Local Government Areas, Mallam Yusuf Amoke, the Special Assistant to the Governor of Kaduna State on Climate Change, underscored the grave consequences of land degradation and deforestation.
These activities disrupt natural ecosystems, leading to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and alterations in local climates, exacerbating the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
The training, facilitated by Ladax Global Resource Nigeria Limited, covered a range of topics crucial for sustainable agriculture:
1. Strategies for mitigating the impact of Climate Change in irrigation development and the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA).
2. Implementation of Best Agricultural Practices in Farmer Led Irrigation development (FLID).
3. Agronomic techniques essential for general crop production.
4. Development of irrigation systems and strategies for FLID implementation.
5. Understanding the broader effects of Climate Change on the environment.
The Chairmen of the Local Government Project Management Committees (LGPMC) for Kudan and Kubau LGAs expressed gratitude to ACReSAL and the Kaduna State Government for their initiatives.
They pledged unwavering support and maximum cooperation to actualize ACReSAL’s objectives.
The training session signifies a crucial step towards empowering farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the challenges posed by climate change while fostering sustainable agricultural practices for enhanced food security in Kaduna State.