Nasarawa trains stakeholders on market system development to boost inclusive agriculture
Nasarawa trains stakeholders on market system development to boost inclusive agriculture
Nasarawa State government on Monday began a three -day stakeholders training on market system development to strengthen the agricultural sector and open more opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.
The training is part of the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Nigeria – Nasarawa State Capability for Inclusive Agricultural Transformation project being implemented in the state.
Mr Abdullahi Salihu-Ari, the Project Coordinator, while speaking at the opening ceremony in Lafia, said the training was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to make agriculture in the state more inclusive, competitive and sustainable.
He said that the training, which would run from Aug. 25 to 28, brings together government officials, private sector representatives, NGOs and agripreneurs.
He explained that the project was being implemented with support from the state Ministry of Agriculture, the Nasarawa State Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA), the Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme (NADP), and Jesnoch International, a consultancy firm.
Salihu-Ari explained that the training was part of a deliberate shift towards addressing the root causes of challenges in the agricultural value chain.
“By focusing on market system development, we want to move away from quick fixes and instead build sustainable solutions that benefit farmers, agripreneurs and communities in the long run,” he said.
The coordinator said that participants were expected to gain insights on how to integrate market systems into their work, drive innovation, and promote partnerships that could transform agriculture into a stronger driver of economic growth and job creation.
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According to Salihu-Ari, the ultimate goal is to create an environment where farmers and agribusinesses thrive, while ensuring that no group is left behind in the quest for agricultural prosperity.
Also speaking. Mr Theophilus Raymond, Programme Officer, AGRA Nigeria, said the training marked a significant milestone in their vision to build the resilience of farmers and Small, medium enterprises.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would avail participant with the knowledge and expertise to collectively address the constraints to agricultural productivity in Nasarawa State.
“It’s our desire that through this training participants should achieve a lot and all contribute towards food system transformation in Nasarawa, Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” Raymond said.
