…to train 1,884 extension workers
In a bid to bridge the critical gap between agricultural research and grassroots farming, the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has commenced the nationwide rollout of its Grassroots Digital Extension Corps (GDEC) initiative.
The agency on Monday kicked off a four-day intensive training programme in Lafia, Nasarawa State, targeting agricultural extension personnel drawn from the North Central geopolitical zone and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Lafia, Yejide Olarinde, head of Policy and Advocacy, who represented the executive secretary of NADF, said strengthening the capacity of extension workers remains central to improving agricultural productivity.
According to Olarinde, the workshop serves as the pilot phase of a broader national strategy that will be replicated across Nigeria’s remaining five geopolitical zones under which 1,110 extension agents and 774 food security specialists will be trained, creating a pool of professionals equipped to support farmers and improve food security planning.
