By Morgan Dim

The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has concluded a week-long training of trainers (TOT) workshop on fodder production to strengthen livestock sustainability in North East of Nigeria.

A statement made available to newsmen by the FAO Communication Specialist Mr. David Karl’s Tsokar explained that the event which took place in Maiduguri, Borno State involved government extension workers and FAO implementing partners from Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba states.

He disclosed that the workshop was aimed at enhancing participants capacity in alternative fodder production techniques.

Funded by the government of Norway the FAO’s initiative tends to equip farmers with relevant skills to produce their own feed and pastures thereby fostering self sufficiency and resilience within the livestock sector.

Anchored on pasture development, an essential aspect of livestock production which significantly impacts on animals’ health, productivity and sustainability of farming systems.

It also plays a crucial role in reducing competition for land and resources thereby helping to mitigate farmers – herders conflicts as well as addresses the persistent challenge of livestock feed shortages in the region.

According to Mr. Tsokar, the week long event was the second of three planned TOT sessions designed to equip 22 participants from the states with the necessary skills and knowledge in alternative feed and fodder production.

He revealed that the first group of trainers have commenced active training of farmers and herders across the region.

In his words, “A total of 40 participants including 12 women that would benefit from the training within three years, would subsequently transfer the knowledge and expertise to 825 farmers and herders who would also receive pasture seeds from FAO, including grass and legume seeds as well as the necessary inputs for hay and silage making and hydroponic production.”

Lead trainer Aishatu Girgiri from the department of Animal Science, University of Maiduguri emphasized on the importance of transitioning from traditional methods of animal feed production, “Given Nigeria’s rapidly growing population,the conventional approach is no longer Sustainable, we are advocating for the deliberate
cultivation of animal feed using diverse livestock approach seeds. Farmers should not have to rely on agricultural by-products after food crops are harvested. Scaling up local feed production is essential to closing gap in livestock nutrition”, she stated.

Earlier, the Director General of the Borno State Livestock Management Agency Bukar Ali Usman commended the initiative describing it as a critical step toward ensuring sustainable livestock feed which would help prevent farmer – herder conflicts.
In his contribution, FAO Nigeria’s National Livestock Specialist Abdulrahman Mohammad emphasized on the need for feed availability in the livestock sector. He noted that the added-value techniques learned in the training would significantly enhance livestock productivity.

One of the participants Stephanie Wudiri expressed gratitude for being part of the programme.

The training concluded with a 3-day field work session at the Lake Chad Research Institute and the University of Maiduguri during which participants learned the art and science of making multi nutrient block, mineral block, value addition to crop resides, hay and silage making, including exploring the significant environmental benefits of sustainable livestock practices.