Sasakawa Africa Association, SAA has embarked on the training of Indigenous Agricultural Equipment Fabricators to make them contribute substantially in the reduction of post-harvest losses in Nigeria.
The Communications Officer of SAA, Moses Nongoatse disclosed this in a press statement he issued on Thursday.
He explained that the initiative is part of the Evidence-Based Regenerative Agriculture to address Climate Change in Africa, a project supported by the Policy and Human Resource Development Grant, PHRDG 1 of Japan through the African Development Bank, AfDB.
Nongoatse stated that the first training was carried out for 20 indigenous fabricators from Nasarawa State which was focused on the production of multi-crop threshers following a similar training that empowered 45 fabricators in Kano in year 2023.
According to him, the training is being held at the Department of Agricultural Mechanization and Bioresources Engineering workshop of the Institute for Agricultural Research IAR, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in Kaduna State.
“SAA’s initiative aligns with its primary goal of empowering small holder farmers by providing affordable technology that boosts agricultural productivity and resilience in light of climate change.
“This training highlights our commitment to reducing post harvest losses through the upskilling of local fabricators, enabling farmers to access simple mechanization tools.
“By building the capacities of local fabricators to produce essential agricultural machines, we are enhancing productivity and ensuring a more food- and income-secure farmer population,” Nongoatse said.
He also said the project addresses the urgent need for cost-effective mechanization solutions that can greatly improve farming efficiency. It further fosters job creation within communities, strengthening the local economy while empowering farmers to maximize their yields and minimize post harvest losses.
According to him, One of the trainees, 28 years old Usman Jibrin, from Akurba community in Lafia LGA, has expressed gratitude for the opportunity given him to be part of the trainees.
“I am truly grateful for this chance and I promise to diligently upskill and utilize the knowledge I gain to support SAA’s efforts in reducing post-harvest losses in my community.
“Farmers in my community spend long hours harvesting, the harvest is tasking and some grains are lost due to prolonged harvest periods. When I get back home after this training, I will produce a thresher and start supporting our farmers to tackle these challenges,” he said.
On his part, the Executive Director of the Institute for Agricultural Research IAR, Prof Ado Yusuf, described SAA as a vital partner in the provision of practical post harvest solutions to Nigerian farmers.
He explained that the training curriculum covers various welding and fabrication techniques, including welding methods, metal cutting, and safety practices, ensuring participants gain comprehensive skills necessary for producing multi-crop threshers and other agricultural implements.
The training of 20 fabricators from Obi, Lafia, Keffi and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State where SAA is implementing the PHRDG-1 project commenced on November 11 and will end on November 21st, 2024.
