A 3-day workshop organized by the Small Home Farmers Development Initiative in collaboration with Tamadany General And Agro Alliance has empowered small-scale farmers with innovative techniques to boost their agricultural productivity.
The workshop, which focuses on breeding black soldier flies for organic animal feed production, has drawn participants from various states, including Taraba.
“We are committed to promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing food security in Nigeria,” said the CEO of the initiative Hajara Yusuf Dantsoho.
“Our training program is designed to equip small-scale farmers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the agricultural sector.” She added.
According to Dantsoho, “Breeding black soldier flies is a game-changer for small-scale farmers. It provides a cost-effective and sustainable way to produce organic animal feed, which can help increase crop yields and improve food security.”
A Resource Person at the workshop Musa Aliyu Tamadany demonstrated how to produce the feeds, providing hands-on training for participants.
He explained that the black soldier fly larvae are rich in protein, making them an ideal ingredient for organic animal feed.
In addition to animal feed production, participants also received training on small-scale farming of vegetables, yam, sweet potatoes, and Irish potatoes using sack gardening techniques.
Tamadany emphasized the importance of using locally available materials and adopting climate-resilient practices to ensure sustainable food production.
The resource person also emphasized the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene when breeding black soldiers flies.
“It’s crucial to maintain a clean and controlled environment to prevent disease outbreaks and ensure the health and quality of the larvae,” he noted.
A participant from Taraba State, Abdullahi Divan Aliyu praised the training, saying it was comprehensive and covered everything from rearing black soldier flies to feeding animals.
The Small Home Farmers Development Initiative’s workshop is a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing food security in Nigeria.
By empowering small-scale farmers with innovative techniques, the initiative is contributing to the country’s agricultural development and economic growth.
Khadija Kubau
