Mohammed Ibrahim of the NADF calls for increased focus on skills training in agriculture to empower Nigerian youth during a stakeholder roundtable in Abuja.
In a decisive move to bolster Nigeria’s agricultural workforce, Mohammed Ibrahim, the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), has emphasised the necessity for a heightened focus on skills acquisition within the agri-tech sector. His remarks came during a stakeholders’ roundtable regarding Nigerian Youth Development, held in Abuja by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation.
Ibrahim’s address drew attention to the intersection of agriculture and technology, highlighting its potential to not only transform the sector but also to generate meaningful employment for the country’s youth. “The major opportunity for the youth within the agricultural setting lies within the nexus of technology and agriculture, often referred to as Agri-Tech,” he stated, asserting that despite rapid advancements in technology, agriculture in Nigeria has yet to fully harness these innovations.
Drawing from his personal journey as a founder of two notable agri-tech companies, Ibrahim provided insights into the untapped opportunities that exist within this emerging sector. He outlined that the NADF is taking proactive steps to bridge the existing gap by developing frameworks oriented towards agricultural skills training that meet global standards.
In collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the NADF is set to initiate a National Agricultural Technical, Vocational, and Educational Training Programme. This programme aims to address the skills deficit that currently plagues the agricultural sector, particularly focusing on significant areas such as soil science, veterinary medicine, and digital mapping—each vital for modern agricultural practices.
“The NADF is working closely with various stakeholders, including the NBTE, to implement a more robust training program that will equip youth with the right skills,” Ibrahim remarked, indicating a firm commitment to enhancing educational and vocational pathways for young Nigerians in agriculture.
Additionally, he announced plans for a pilot scheme designed to roll out across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This initiative will extend over a period of six days, concentrating on agricultural skills tailored to the specific agroecological contexts of each region, thereby ensuring relevance and practicality in training methods.
Ibrahim did not shy away from addressing the financial obstacles that many aspiring farmers and entrepreneurs encounter. He underscored the importance of balancing commercial and social funding models to alleviate the financial burdens that often deter young individuals from entering the agricultural field. This dual approach aims to support smallholder farmers and youth entrepreneurs, fostering an ecosystem of sustainable agricultural growth and job creation.
As the NADF advances its initiatives, a clearer pathway for youth engagement in the evolving agri-tech sector is being established, potentially reshaping the landscape of Nigerian agriculture for years to come.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://thesun.ng/nadf-advocates-agri-tech-skills-to-boost-agriculture-create-employment/ – Corroborates the advocacy for agri-tech skills to enhance agriculture and create employment opportunities for youth in Nigeria.
- https://thenationonlineng.net/nadf-advocates-for-agri-tech-skills-to-boost-agriculture-create-employment/ – Supports the emphasis on skills acquisition in the Agri-Tech sector to boost agriculture and create employment.
- https://fmino.gov.ng/skills-acquisition-programme-in-agriculture-to-boost-self-employment-for-youth-dare/ – Highlights skills acquisition programs in agriculture aimed at boosting self-employment for youth, aligning with NADF’s initiatives.
- https://ijsmr.in/vol-5-issue-4/sustainable-skill-acquisition-in-agriculture-as-a-panacea-for-economic-growth-and-achieving-zero-hunger-in-nigeria/ – Discusses the importance of sustainable skill acquisition in agriculture for economic growth and achieving zero hunger, relevant to NADF’s goals.
- https://wofan.org/wofan-hands-over-skills-acquisition-equipment-to-special-education-centre-in-bauchi/ – Mentions the importance of skill acquisition in addressing unemployment, which aligns with NADF’s focus on skills training.
- https://www.nbte.gov.ng/ – Provides information on the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), a key collaborator in NADF’s training programs.
- https://www.fao.org/3/i2050e/i2050e.pdf – Supports the broader context of agricultural development and the role of skills acquisition in enhancing agricultural practices, as mentioned by FAO.
- https://www.ifpri.org/publication/contribution-agriculture-economic-growth-nigeria – Corroborates the contribution of agriculture to economic growth in Nigeria, a key aspect of NADF’s initiatives.
- https://www.bonn.edu/en/research/center-for-development-research.html – Provides context on vocational education and training for farmers, which is relevant to NADF’s agricultural technical and vocational training programs.
- https://www.sirahmadubellofoundation.org/ – Mentions the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, the host of the stakeholders’ roundtable where Ibrahim made his remarks.
Automate Your Business
You are one step away from removing your bottlenecks, automating your business and getting your time back. It’s like hiring 3 staff members – minus the headache, minus the pensions, minus the sick pay!
Schedule a free automation consultation
Automate Your Business
You are one step away from removing your bottlenecks, automating your business and getting your time back. It’s like hiring 3 staff members – minus the headache, minus the pensions, minus the sick pay!
Schedule a free automation consultation
Automate Your Business
You are one step away from removing your bottlenecks, automating your business and getting your time back. It’s like hiring 3 staff members – minus the headache, minus the pensions, minus the sick pay!
