Women Environmental Programme (WEP) in collaboration with Christian Aid have trained 60 smallholder farmers from Nasarawa, Benue and Kaduna States on the significance of embracing smart agricultural practices.
Smart Agricultural Practices uses innovative technologies, data analysis, and sustainable methods to optimise crop yields, reduce waste, and promote efficient farming practices.
Speaking at the end of the two-day training on Thursday in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Miss Damaris Ujah, Head of Programmes of WEP, said that the training aimed to boost food production toward ensuring food security.
She added that the smart agricultural practices would help the farmers to improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, and profitability while minimising environmental impact.
The head of the programme said that the practice would benefit farmers, the environment, and society as a whole and would generate sustainable employment opportunities.
She further explained that the participants were to learn, reflect and review the impact and challenges of a climate resilience project implemented by the organisations.
She commended the efforts of the various state governments for supporting farmers, particularly women and called for the sustainability of the initiative to reduce the impact of climate change.
Also, Mr Fagbite Bamidele, Senior Disaster Risk Reduction and Peace Building Specialist with Christian Aid, urged farmers, especially women to embrace smart agricultural practices that promote food sufficiency across the country.
Mr Isuwa Danlami, Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment and Samuel Tor Terungwa of Benue State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security highlighted the potential of smart agriculture to transform rural livelihoods and improve food production.
They pledged to use the knowledge acquired to improve their farming activities and create jobs in their respective states.
The meeting, which had in attendance government officials, traditional rulers, farming groups, persons with disabilities, among others, underscored the role of smart agriculture in achieving food security. (NAN).