By Muhammad Sani Muazu
Bauchi State College of Agriculture will soon gain a significant boost through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project, which has committed to building an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre and a Farmer Field School (FFS) on the college grounds. These initiatives aim to advance agricultural education and empower local farmers with innovative practices and skills.
In an exclusive interview, the L-PRES Bauchi State Project Coordinator, Musa Adamu, shared that the AI Centre will focus on artificial insemination (AI) techniques to improve livestock breeding within the state. The project is planning to train around 50 service providers in artificial insemination at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in Zaria. “The trainees will soon leave Bauchi for Zaria, where they will acquire the skills needed to deliver AI services back home,” Adamu stated. Once trained, these experts are expected to assist farmers in enhancing livestock productivity by improving animal breeds through advanced insemination practices.
The AI Centre, to be hosted at the Bauchi State College of Agriculture, is seen as a major development for the institution. “This centre will enable our young animal scientists to learn about AI techniques, which are essential for enhancing animal productivity in our communities and state,” Adamu added.
The project will also introduce a Farmer Field School (FFS) to empower local farmers through participatory and experiential learning methods. The FFS model emphasizes farmer-led, hands-on training that focuses on sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management. Farmers will work in small groups of 20-30, allowing for effective learning, collaboration, and sharing of experiences over the course of one to two years.
Adamu highlighted the key features of the FFS approach, which includes practical demonstrations, discussions, and weekly or bi-weekly field observations. The goal is to improve crop yields and quality, increase farmers’ knowledge, and promote sustainable practices, which will ultimately boost farmers’ income and strengthen community ties. “We are especially keen to empower women and marginalized groups through this project,” Adamu remarked.
With a strong global track record, FFS programs are widely supported by international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The Bauchi-based Farmer Field School will leverage this global expertise to bring best practices directly to local farmers, with training sites selected according to local needs and farming priorities.
The L-PRES project’s investment in both the AI Centre and FFS demonstrates a commitment to building capacity and enhancing agricultural resilience in Bauchi State. With these initiatives, the Bauchi State College of Agriculture is positioned to become a center for innovation and practical learning, supporting sustainable agriculture and improved livelihoods across the state