Nigeria’s vast landscapes are a testament to its agricultural potential, a potential hindered at times by the high costs of synthetic fertilizers and the consequences of pesticide misuse. However, change is on the horizon. One name stands out in this transformative narrative–Extension Africa (EXAF). This vibrant private agribusiness is rewriting the rules on how farming advisory services are delivered to farmers. Today, they have taken on a new mission, and with the help of Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) volunteer Mark Otto, they are pioneering the path to sustainable and organic farming.

EXAF’s mantra, ‘Strengthening Agribusiness Extension Service Delivery in Africa,’ is not just a tagline. They have onboarded 1,046 Farmer Business Advisors (FBAs), serving as the hands and feet on the ground. These FBAs touch the lives of over 177,800 smallholder farmers, providing them with farm inputs, expert advisory services, and a bridge to the markets.

It is not just about the numbers; it is about impact. To further drive this impact, EXAF requested training for their trainers, specifically in organic fertilizer blending and integrated pests and disease management, for two reasons: First, to adopt climate-smart agriculture from synthetic fertilizers to organic alternatives. Second, to boost farmers’ productivity using compost manure.

Mark’s workshop in Kano State attracted 66 FBAs from Kano and Jigawa. Mark ensured each day was packed with value – from the basics of ecology, climate, and plant health to a hands-on practical session on Biocomplete compost making using local materials. For many participants, this was their first deep dive into organic compost making, which promises healthier soil, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced food security.

“The training was enlightening. Most of our FBAs knew about compost materials but not about the precise measurements and compositions. Mark detailed it brilliantly.“ – Hadiza Bala Aliyu, Agronomist, EXAF

“We appreciate Mark’s ability to leverage local materials for composting. It will truly help us and our farmers increase productivity and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.“ – Darma Nasiru, Operations Manager, EXAF

“The knowledge on bacteria, fungi, and plant biodiversity was invaluable. Grateful for this opportunity!” – Zainab Hassan, Participant

EXAF’s leadership team was beyond pleased with Mark’s training. Plans are to take his manuals and training materials online, expanding access to more staff, agricultural students, and the broader farming community. As for Mark, this assignment has furthered his professional insights and rekindled his passion for teaching and contributing positively to global agriculture. In essence, the partnership between EXAF and F2F, embodied by Mark Otto’s commitment, brings us hope. The collaboration reminds us that when individuals, communities, and organizations come together with a shared vision, the dream of a more sustainable and productive farming future in Africa is not just possible–it is inevitable.

In an interconnected world, ensuring the safety of our food becomes paramount. One of the most concerning issues is the presence of pesticide residues in our daily consumption. This journey began with a keen observation by a Winrock International Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) volunteer in 2017 and is evolving into a robust program designed to safeguard our health and enhance agricultural standards.

While volunteering in Nigeria in 2017, Jolene Warnke, noted the absence of an organized system for testing pesticide residues on food products. The lack of equipment, regulations, and training led to unfortunate pesticide poisonings. Jolene’s recommendation? Develop a comprehensive pesticide residue testing program and extend training opportunities. In 2018, Jolene Warnke-Roszel already showcased her commitment and expertise in the realm of pesticide safety. Returning as a seasoned volunteer for the F2F program, her mission was clear under the banner of our 383rd assignment in Nigeria, “Developing Training Syllabi for Pesticide Safety and Certification Course.” Upon her arrival in Nigeria, Jolene brought a distinct advantage to the table. She held comprehensive responsibilities as a Training & Development Specialist with the Montana Department of Agriculture, Helena. She was instrumental in developing pesticide safety training curricula tailored to commercial and government applicators.

Additionally, Jolene was pivotal in coordinating and conducting continuing education training spanning the state. Leveraging her vast experience, Jolene collaborated diligently with the Department of Pest Management faculty at the Samaru College of Agriculture in Zaria. The combined efforts of Jolene and the Samaru College of Agriculture in Zaria aimed at one significant outcome: formulating a robust training syllabus to pave the way for a specialized one-year Certificate Course. This course would focus on the safe application and use of pesticides, emphasizing best practices and ensuring safety standards were met. Her commitment and approach were a testament to the effectiveness of harnessing on-ground experience to craft relevant, localized training programs. With Jolene’s dedicated efforts, the foundation for a structured and effective pesticide safety training regimen in Nigeria was firmly established.

Challenges and Overcoming Them: Adapting to the Pandemic

In 2020, Jolene continued her efforts by conducting a remote assignment. However, the spirit of innovation prevailed. The assignment was structured into a hybrid model:

1. A remote approach: Jolene, drawing from her past experiences with the host, created a post-associate degree-level agricultural education and training (AET) course outline on pesticide residue testing.
2. An in-person approach involved hands-on guidance in developing a two-year Higher National Diploma certification course curriculum later, once travel restrictions was lifted.

Jolene and her team, using technology, bridged the gap caused by the pandemic. Virtual meetings ensured the mission continued, adapting to the challenges rather than surrendering.

Deep Dive into the Mission: Groundwork and Implementation

Fast forward to 2023, an opportunity became available for Jolene to travel to Nigeria. Once on-ground, Jolene assessed the infrastructure to determine the feasibility of introducing the program. She toured various colleges and universities, including the Center for Dryland Agriculture and the Multi-Lab at Ahmadu Bello University. Multiple sessions, workshops, and meetings were conducted, lasting hours, emphasizing the dedication of all involved. The team deliberated on the curriculum, focusing on real-world applicability, relevance, and modernity. They reimagined outdated courses, blending technology and conventional wisdom to foster holistic education.

The Power of Personal Stories

Several participants and educators spoke highly of the program and the benefits it derived. Here are some reflections:

– “This exercise expanded my horizons… I learned the importance of team efforts and gained insights into pesticide residues and their effects on the environment,” voiced Shukrah Abdulrahman, a Technical Officer.

– Usman Suleiman from the Science Lab Technology Program highlighted, “This workshop has enriched my understanding of chemicals used on crops and the art of curriculum building.”

Such testimonials highlight the tangible and intangible outcomes of the program, encompassing knowledge enhancement, skill-building, and fostering a collaborative spirit.

Looking Ahead: The Bright Future of Agriculture

From identifying the issue to the ongoing implementation of solutions, this journey symbolizes hope. It underscores the belief that challenges, no matter how daunting, can be overcome through collaboration, adaptation, and a relentless spirit. As we look ahead, the vision is clear: a world where our food is safer, our farmers are empowered, and knowledge drives progress.

In the heart of Lagos State, a new chapter in agricultural development is being written, and its protagonist? Data. In our digital age, it’s clear: mastering data is not just an added skill but a necessity. Moreover, who better understands this than the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA)? With an aim to modernize farming techniques and processes, they initiated an advanced training session to merge data analysis with agriculture.

Meet Damon Walker: The Data Wizard in the Farming World

Images of tractors, fields, and crops come to mind when one thinks of farming. But for Damon Walker, it’s all about numbers, patterns, and insights. Damon was handpicked for this transformative mission because of his unique blend of expertise in both data analysis and agriculture. His journey with LSADA shows how two seemingly distinct fields can beautifully intertwine.

Learning by Doing: A Dive into Data Tools

Instead of sticking to traditional methods, Damon believed in the power of practical learning. This was especially vital for the trainees, a passionate group of students and researchers. They dived deep into the world of Google Forms for data collection, swiftly moving to Google Sheets to understand complex charts and pivot tables. And even though their 7-day training was cut short by two days, the intensity and richness of learning remained uncompromised.

A Shift in Perspective: The Power of Digital

After the training, a clear shift was evident. A majority of the participants, about 78%, experienced an ‘aha!’ moment, realizing the potential of moving from paper-based methods to digital ones. Some of their thoughts include:

• “The collaborative features of Google Drive will change how we work together.” ~ Farouk Uthman
• “I never realized how effective Google Forms and KoboCollect could be until now.” ~ Owode Rasheedat
• “My skills, especially in Google Sheets, have grown tremendously.” ~ Owagbemi Tunji

Charting the Path Ahead

With knowledge comes responsibility, and LSADA knew sustaining this momentum was crucial. They’ve outlined clear strategies:

1. Peer Training: This aims to solidify the team’s digital skills over the next few months.
2. Boosting Internet Access: Investing in reliable internet ensures a smooth digital transition.
3. Advanced Training on Google Spreadsheets: To dive deeper into data analytics.
4. Introducing KoboCollect: A step to further digitize data collection and minimize manual entries.

In wrapping up, under the guidance of Damon, LSADA’s training wasn’t just another event. It marked the beginning of a transformative journey. A journey where data-driven insights empower agriculture, painting a hopeful and progressive future for Lagos State. Winrock International is proud to be part of such transformative stories, where innovation and tradition unite to build a brighter tomorrow.

In the sprawling green campus of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology (FCFMT) in Nigeria, a unique educational alliance blossomed, marking a pivotal moment in the academic journey of many. At the heart of this collaboration were two distinguished figures: Dr. Jessica Briskin and Dr. Tutaleni I. Asino. Their quest? To boost the proficiency and range of blended learning among Nigerian educators.

The endeavor was an evolution of a Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) assignment titled “Building Faculty Pedagogical Skills to Effectively Deliver AET Curricula.” An earlier volunteer recommendation noted the importance of regular teacher training workshops and a dedicated platform for online pedagogical education.

For three days, the duo held workshops focusing on the essence of online education and blended learning. They stressed the cardinal role of clear learning objectives. However, a realization struck: many needed to grasp teaching philosophies or the know-how to draft these objectives. Consequently, day two pivoted, introducing educators to the art of crafting these goals and, later, to tools instrumental for data collection, analysis, presentation, and integrating interactivity. F2F volunteers Dr. Briskin, and Dr. Asino did more than lean on high-tech or expensive solutions. They championed tools that were user-friendly, freely accessible, and within the college’s reach, encapsulating the essence of true education: accessibility and adaptability. On the fourth day, the scholars shifted their focus to the students. This shorter session concentrated on popular platforms like Google Forms, Google Sheets, and Google Slides, aimed to fortify students’ data collection, analysis, and presentation skills. Interwoven were discussions on the challenges and promises of blended learning, an invaluable perspective for these future thought leaders.

The assignment’s resonances were multifaceted. For Dr. Asino, it spotlighted the universality of educational challenges, breaking the myth that specific geographies inherently possess a higher pedagogical acumen. The Nigerian experience, for him, was a testament to educators’ shared struggles and aspirations worldwide. He cherished the camaraderie forged with collaborations already in the pipeline. For Dr. Briskin, her debut volunteering gig with Winrock was transformative. She marveled at the drive and zest of the FCFMT’s faculty and students, echoing the sentiments of one student: “We cannot be stuck doing what we did yesterday because we will miss tomorrow’s treasures.” The endeavor was not just about imparting knowledge; it was a two-way street. Briskin herself departed with invaluable insights on the digital age’s nuances and the diffusion of innovation.

This collaboration, while time-bound, has sown seeds for future partnerships and a shared commitment to excellence in education. For the faculty and students at FCFMT, the ripples of this endeavor will be felt for years to come as they navigate the evolving landscape of blended learning with newfound expertise and enthusiasm.

When it comes to progress and development, the role of education must be considered. A shift in mindset is often the first step towards a more equitable society. In a bid to instigate this shift in rural Nigeria, Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program recently embarked on a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAHPT), Vom, Plateau State.

The mission? To educate staff at FCAHPT on the critical importance of gender equity in decision-making, fostering a broader and more informed perspective on gender-related policies. The workshop was led by our dedicated volunteer, Sandra Ross, whose expertise was fundamental to the success of this mission. Upon arrival, our F2F team dove straight into work, holding critical discussions with crucial departments, including the Development and Linkage Unit, the Gender Unit, the Provost, and the college’s management team. The staff was divided into two groups for a thorough three-day workshop. Covering diverse topics such as gender concepts, social construction, terminology, violence, analysis framework, and mainstreaming, this workshop aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of gender equity and its significance in modern society. The educational initiative culminated in a seminar for 309 students, promoting gender awareness and the importance of equity in everyday interactions. Following this seminar, a debriefing session was held with the college leadership, highlighting the improvements and impacts of the assignment.

What were the outcomes? Beyond expectation. The staff members began implementing the gender solutions learned during the training, leading to tangible shifts in perception and behavior. The participants reported making changes in their homes and classrooms, distributing tasks equally regardless of gender. One such success story comes from Isiaku Abdullahi, a Development and Linkage Unit faculty member. Isiaku shared his experience of shifting tasks traditionally assigned to his son to his daughter, promoting a culture of equality in his home.

He shared, “There is an assignment I always gave to the boy every morning, but yesterday when we talked about equity and equality, I decided to treat my children differently from how I normally treated them. I now decided to ask the girl to carry out that task as well as supported her to do it. She ended up doing it better than the brother. This morning she asked me if she would be the one performing that task going forward and I said yes. If there is anything I have taken away from this workshop, it is that aspect of equity and equality.“

The F2F program’s initiative shows that change, no matter how incremental, can make a significant difference in our society. Through education and awareness, we can challenge the status quo, paving the way for a more equitable world. While much work is needed, the progress made at FCAHPT is a step in the right direction. The assignment’s conclusion is not the end but the beginning of a more informed and equitable society in Plateau State and beyond.