By Sani Aliyu, Zaria
The Vice Chancellor l Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Professor Adamu Ahmed, has described the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) as being at the forefront of agricultural extension in Nigeria.
He made the remark at a Stakeholders Engagement and Validation Workshop organized by the AGRA Kaduna Consortium Project, implemented by NAERLS, which was held at the NAERLS Ultra-Modern Conference Hall.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Bello Sabo, commended NAERLS for demonstrating leadership in championing agricultural extension through knowledge-driven innovations and practices that continue to shape farming and promote food security.
He further emphasized that NAERLS leadership of the consortium has shown how research institutions can translate research into measurable impact on farmer’s livelihoods.
According to him, the AGRA Kaduna Consortium Project, launched in 2022, stands out as a model of collaboration that has delivered practical solutions to small holder farmers.
These include improved access to technologies, climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry innovations, and stronger market systems.
He added that the project’s compelling evidence of success demonstrates the power of knowledge, innovation and partnerships in driving lasting change and meaningful inclusion.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Director of NAERLS, Professor Yusuf Ahmed Sani, highlighted the value of the project to farmers in Kaduna State.
He said more than 1,000 Community-Based Advisors (CBAs) have been trained, effectively bridging the extension agent to farmer gap.
Farmers have also been supported with climate-smart practices, access to input dealers, and training on good agronomic practices to boost productivity and income.
The AGRA Kaduna Consortium Program Officer, Dr. Esther Ibrahim, commended NAERLS for successfully driving the project and thanked the Kaduna State Government, researchers, extension agents and input companies for their partnership.
She urged the state government to ensure sustainability mechanisms are put in place so that project gains endure beyond its lifespan.
Speaking on behalf of the Director of the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension, Mr. Ayodele Olawunmi, Assistant Director Mr. Umeh George praised NAERLS’ contributions to agricultural extension, including the National Farmers Helpline Centre and the Nationwide Agricultural Performance Survey.
“I will contact NAERLS to find out how they bring out water from the rock,” he pointed out.
Also at the event, Hajiya Salma Isa, Regional Head of Business Development at the Bank of Agriculture, announced that the bank has secured ₦250 billion to support small holder farmers nationwide.
She commended the project for improving farmers’ livelihoods and contributing to national food security.
The Principal Investigator and Project Coordinator, Professor Chris Daudu, outlined the project’s achievements, which includes, training farmers in diverse agricultural practices.
Distributing over 600 mobile phones to CBAs, establishing climate-smart villages in four LGAs of Kaduna State and Promoting inclusiveness by engaging persons with disabilities in farming.
Professor Daudu explained that the workshop provided an opportunity to present results achieved so far, distribute additional mobile phones to extension agents, and strategize on ways to institutionalize the CBA concept by deepening collaboration with government and the private partners.
