The Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (Kogi ADP), in collaboration with the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES), has commenced a ten-day intensive capacity-building training programme aimed at equipping livestock farmers and extension agents with effective climate-resilient methodologies for sustainable livestock production in Kogi State
The training, which is being conducted for 500 Livestock Farmers and Extension Agents across five strategic centres; Ajaokuta, Okene, Kabba, Anyigba and Idah is designed to enhance participants’ knowledge of modern and effective livestock management practices in response to the growing challenges posed by climate change.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing livestock productivity through strategic partnerships and continuous capacity development. He thank and appreciated His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for fostering an enabling environment for agricultural advancement, particularly in the livestock sector.
Hon. Ojomah also disclosed that the Ministry recently sponsored a delegation of young Kogites to Ogun State for training on climate smart agricultural practices; underscoring the government’s broader vision of youth empowerment and the transformation of agriculture in the state.
The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Livestock Development, represented by Elder Ali Peter, Director of Monogastric Animals, noted that climate change poses unprecedented threats to livestock production; affecting animal health, diminishing productivity, and ultimately threatening the livelihoods of those who depend on the sector.
He emphasized that the training presents a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaboration. He urged all participants to engage actively, share their experiences, and learn from one another.
“To the organizers, facilitators, and participants, I extend my sincere appreciation for your commitment to this vital cause,” he concluded.
In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of Kogi ADP, Dr. Bello George Ogirima, described the training as a vital step towards building local capacity and strengthening adaptive strategies for livestock production. He emphasized that the initiative forms part of a coordinated response to climate-induced risks threatening productivity and sustainability within the livestock sector. According to him, “Climate change has come to stay, and it is in our best interest to learn how to both mitigate its impact and adapt to its realities.”
While presenting the key note address, The State Project Coordinator of Kogi L-PRES, Mr. Otaru Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza, highlighted the urgent need of the training, noting that climate change poses a significant and evolving threat to livestock production and agriculture in general. He remarked: “Climate change is real. While it brings both positive and negative outcomes, this training is strategically designed to equip our livestock farmers and extension agents with the knowledge and skills to mitigate adverse effects, while also enhancing productivity, commercialization, and resilience within the livestock sector in Kogi State.”
Mr Otaru noted that the training is being delivered in collaboration with the Kogi State ADP who has the mandate for Agricultural Extension and Advisory Service delivery in the state. He identified the livestock value chains prioritized under the Kogi L-PRES Project as poultry, small ruminants (sheep and goats), and large ruminants (cattle), with particular focus on beef production.
According to him, participating extension agents and lead farmers will acquire practical, field-based skills, knowledge and climate-smart livestock production techniques. Importantly, mechanisms have been instituted to ensure the systematic transfer of knowledge and skills to the teaming Livestock Farmers at the Value Chain clusters across the 21 Local Government Areas in the state.
He further elaborated on the strategic deployment of training centres to ensure statewide reach as 100 livestock farmers and extension agents will be trained at Ajaokuta, Okene, Kabba Anyigba and Idah training centers each.
“With this structure in place, we are confident that every livestock farmer in Kogi State will benefit from this training,” he said. “From our baseline data, we identified over 54,000 livestock farmers across the state. Following our recent revalidation exercise, over 20,000 farmers have been revalidated and we anticipate a significant increase in this figure as project activities intensify.”
Mr. Otaru also described the training as a “Train-the-Trainers” Model, designed to promote peer learning and farmers to farmers extension service delivery. This model, he explained, ensures that beneficiaries serve as knowledge multipliers within their communities, thereby creating a cascading effect across the targeted livestock farmers at the value chain clusters across the State.
In addition, the State Coordinator of the IFAD/Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Dr. Stella Adejo, lauded the initiative and stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing climate-related challenges in agriculture. She expressed optimism that the training would empower farmers to adopt best practices and increased productivity across the sector.
