By Muhammad Sani Muazu
Bauchi State’s livestock sector is set to receive a significant boost as a two-day workshop on the review and adoption of extension materials for extension agents commenced on Monday, December 16, 2024. Organized by the Bauchi State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) in collaboration with the National Coordinating Office (NCO) of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) and the World Bank, the workshop is being held at the Yimir Hotel and Suites, Bauchi.
The Commissioner of Agriculture, Bauchi State, Prof. Simon Madugu Yalams, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of the workshop in equipping extension agents with modern tools and knowledge on good animal husbandry and health practices. Prof. Yalams commended the dedication of participants who, despite their busy schedules, gathered to contribute to the development of a comprehensive working document for extension personnel in the state.
He highlighted that the materials under review would enhance the capacity of extension agents, improve farmers’ productivity, and ultimately benefit communities across the state. “This workshop will provide a roadmap for achieving the project’s development objectives, which include effective extension service delivery, improved knowledge transfer to beneficiaries, and enhanced technical capacity of extension agents,” he stated.
Prof. Yalams also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, for prioritizing the agricultural sector and fostering initiatives like L-PRES. He urged stakeholders to actively participate in deliberations to ensure the adoption of innovative materials that will serve as a model for other states.
Representing the National Project Coordinator, Dr. Sulaiman Umar expressed the NCO’s satisfaction with the achievements of Bauchi State in implementing L-PRES. He praised the efforts of the Bauchi State Coordination Office and noted that Bauchi has set a benchmark for other states in livestock productivity and resilience.
“Bauchi is a model state for the L-PRES project. The state’s commitment and support have been instrumental in achieving the project’s goals. We are confident that the outcome of this workshop will further strengthen the livestock sector, not only in Bauchi State but across Nigeria,” Dr. Umar stated.
He also highlighted the success stories from Bauchi, including grazing reserves and pasture development, which have garnered attention from national and international organizations. Dr. Umar called on participants to work diligently to produce a document that incorporates modern and innovative practices in animal husbandry and health.
The workshop is part of the broader L-PRES initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector through enhanced productivity and resilience. Key areas of focus include the provision of efficient extension services, the use of digital guides for animal husbandry, and the promotion of Farmer Field Schools (FFS).
As the workshop progresses, stakeholders are expected to finalize and adopt the materials, which will serve as a practical guide for extension agents in Bauchi State, ultimately ensuring sustainable livestock development and improved livelihoods for farming communities.
The workshop continues tomorrow, with further deliberations and contributions from experts and participants.
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