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 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.

After returning from seven years of working in Dubai (a common trend among youth in Nepal), Keshar Jung Adhikari Chhetri started the Lekali Goat Farm in Syangja, Nepal. With just 18 goats and very little experience, Keshar was in need of training to ensure his goats were healthy and his budding business was profitable.

F2F Volunteer Dr. Daniel Miller arrived in early April 2015 to provide training to AP Agro Livestock Research Company Pvt. Ltd. members and neighboring community farmers on goat production. Keshar and 24 other Nepali goat farmers in Syangja (70% youth) received information and hands-on applications of techniques such as fodder production, nutrition, neonatal care, genetic selection, housing, record keeping, disease management, sanitation, and body condition scoring. The trainees learned how they could easily improve the health and quality of their goats with simple behavior changes, such as providing a nutrient-rich diet, regular water, and treatment for parasites.

Just a few days following the training provided by Dr. Miller, a devastating earthquake struck Nepal. Keshar and his family were thankfully uninjured but lost their home in the earthquake. Over the course of the next year, they began to rebuild but started with constructing goat sheds using the advice from Dr. Miller on proper ventilation and slatted floors for waste runoff. Keshar knew that in order to recover from the earthquake, he needed a profitable business, which started with quality goats and careful record keeping. While his family was living in a section of the goat shed, Keshar grew his herd to 51 healthy and hearty goats and kids using improved nutrition and health techniques learned from the volunteer. From April 2015 to May 2016, he sold 18 goats for $1,900, increasing his net income by over $300 from the year before. Six other youth goat farmers associated with AP Agro Livestock Research Company Pvt. Ltd. increased their incomes by over $200 within the last year. In addition, through the Model Goat Campaign training, started by AP Agro, more than 120 youth farmers initiated new goat production businesses.

The Lekali Goat Farm is now a model for other farmers in the district and across the country and has significant demand from customers who come to purchase goats directly. While the road to recovery is a long one, F2F volunteer training helped this family get back on their feet and turn an emerging entrepreneur into a model businessman.

As a proud implementer of volunteer programs around the world, Winrock International is always happy to participate in celebrating and recognizing service. Each year at this time, we join many other organizations nationwide to reflect on volunteerism–particularly around these three questions: “What’s your story?”, “What does service mean to you?” and “Why do you volunteer?” We asked our recruiters to reflect on what motivates people to volunteer and what motivated them to join Winrock International to recruit our volunteers. 

Darla Embry 

I am a mother of two grown children and four grandsons and will celebrate 43 years of marriage to my best friend, Jeff. We live on the family farm and are engaged in hay and agriculture farming. It has been a continuous family farm since 1947. In 2001 I began working for Winrock International in Finance. After completing my degree in Sociology, I went to work as a Recruiter for the Farmer-to-Farmer program and have been there ever since. I have seen many changes, but one thing that never changes is the inspiration I get daily from the people I work with and the job we do as a team. I had this discussion with many volunteers over the past 20 years and received a wide variety of responses. Some feel it’s a responsibility we give back to others, and some feel it’s a moral obligation to help the poor and disadvantaged.

For some, it can be the curiosity of learning about other cultures and being inspired by them. These volunteer experiences provide fulfillment in learning, helping, and giving to others. When it’s over, you realize you receive more from this volunteer experience than you ever imagined. It truly is life-changing for our host and our volunteers. Winrock has both national and international programs that work with individuals and communities to enable them to improve their lives and livelihoods. “When you give a person a fish, they eat for a day. When you teach a person to fish, they eat for a lifetime.” I had just started working for Winrock, and my husband, Jeff, went on a volunteer assignment to Turkmenistan. It changed our worldviews of other cultures and the inspiration they provide. Altruism is the selfless concern for the well-being of others. To give of yourself and not receive anything in return. Volunteering is selfless, but in return, you will experience a life-changing worldview of cultures that aren’t much different from your own. 

Dr. Olivia Caillouet 

I have worked as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas’ College of Agricultural and Life Sciences International Programs Office, helping match students with study abroad opportunities. I have also worked on farms in Puerto Rico, Mozambique, Timor-Leste, and Panama, which fueled my passion for international agricultural development. I received my Bachelor’s in Horticulture from the University of Arkansas, a Master’s in Agricultural and Extension Education from the University of Arkansas, and a Doctoral Degree in Agricultural Education and Communication with an emphasis in Extension from the University of Florida. I enjoy rock climbing, sailing, and visiting botanical gardens during my downtime. I am committed to promoting resilient agricultural systems, improving people’s lives, and sustaining natural resources. 

While completing my master’s thesis, I had the chance to research what motivates individuals to engage in international experiences. As a recruiter for Winrock’s F2F program, I have observed that “a sprit of service” is the driving force that motivates individuals to volunteer. Our most successful volunteers are often intrinsically motivated to share their skills with our host organizations abroad. Our intrinsically motivated volunteers are driven by an internal sense of responsibility to give back to others, have a growth mindset, and find emotional connection through international relationship building. Most volunteers understand the deep inequities around the world, and where an individual is born can be a strong determinant for their overall quality of life.

Also, our volunteers are driven by a deep sense of purpose related to disseminating agricultural best practices, improved rural livelihood, gender equality, and economic development. Winrock’s F2F volunteers understand their skills and want to be of service to build international collaboration and work toward global food security, resource conservation, and accessible education. Our volunteers are often motivated through mutual learning and cherish the opportunity to learn from another culture. My passion for joining Winrock as a recruiter aligns with many factors motivating our volunteers. My background in horticulture and agricultural extension made my transition to Winrock seamless. Every day I get the opportunity to connect technical experts with demand-driven needs from our colleagues abroad while simultaneously strengthening agricultural networks, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and empowering communities to build local capacity, which strengthens economies. I am honored to work for Winrock’s F2F program and am continually motivated by the growth of our host organizations, volunteers, and continued learning focused on agriculture, natural resources, and improved lives for people around the world.