The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, in collaboration with the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria (NOAN) and the West Africa Secretariat of Ecological Organic Agriculture, has commenced a capacity-building programme aimed at equipping Nigerian youth with practical skills in the Agro-Sylvo-Pastoral and Fisheries sectors.
The training, organised under the ECOWAS Strategy on Youth Employability Project (ECOWAS-YEP), seeks to build a new generation of skilled young agripreneurs capable of driving sustainable agriculture, ecological farming, and climate-smart production systems across West Africa.
Read Also: IAR, AATF train journalists on effective reporting of GMOs technology
Declaring the programme open at the Balarabe Tanimu Conference Hall, the Executive Director of IAR, Prof. Ado Yusuf, represented by the Deputy Director, Prof. Nafiu Abdu, stressed the need to empower young people with modern competencies to strengthen food security and rural livelihoods.
He noted that enhancing youth capacity remains central to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda, particularly as climate change continues to reshape farming patterns, livestock systems, and fisheries productivity.
“Investing in skilled and innovative youth is vital for building resilient food systems and promoting climate-smart agriculture. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to preparing young Nigerians for emerging opportunities along agricultural value chains,” he said.
The programme is being led academically by Prof. Arunah U. Lucky, Programme Leader for Legumes and Oil Seeds at IAR. Participants will undergo hands-on demonstrations, technical sessions, and interactive learning on agroecology, organic agriculture, livestock production, and fisheries management.
According to the organisers, the initiative will not only promote ecological organic agriculture but also improve youth employability, strengthen green entrepreneurship, and support the development of sustainable livelihoods across the region.
Stakeholders say the partnership represents another milestone in advancing climate-resilient agriculture, boosting rural economic growth, and positioning Nigeria as a leader in organic and sustainable farming practices in West Africa.
