National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) Holds Capacity Building Workshop on Fodder Production and Management - The National Association of Nigerian Traders NANTS

Gwagwalada, Abuja– The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), in collaboration with Support from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held a comprehensive capacity-building workshop focused on fodder production and management. The event, which took place in Gwagwalada, Abuja, aimed to equip students from the University of Abuja with vital skills in sustainable agriculture, specifically in fodder production.

In his welcome address, Solomon Obike, a NANTS representative, greeted the students warmly and highlighted the importance of the training. The workshop drew participation from students in a wide array of disciplines, including Animal Science, Basic Science, Dairy Science, and Agricultural Science. Obike stressed that the initiative was designed to educate and empower the youth, offering them practical knowledge on fodder production and its significance in modern agriculture. He noted that fodder, as a critical component in livestock feeding, plays a vital role in food security and agricultural sustainability.

Dr. Yohana Ishaya, a distinguished veterinary expert, led the lecture session. In his detailed presentation, Dr. Ishaya emphasized the transformative potential of fodder production, not just for the agricultural sector but for the participants themselves. He explained that through effective fodder production and management, youth could access new job opportunities, helping to alleviate unemployment and reduce the number of youths left idle or vulnerable to negative societal influences.

Dr. Ishaya also highlighted the broader economic and social impacts of fodder production. He explained that training in this field could drive entrepreneurship and create sustainable livelihoods, thereby combating brain drain. By providing the necessary skills, participants can contribute to the agricultural economy by producing and selling high-quality fodder, which is essential for livestock farming. He further discussed the importance of managing fodder to ensure that it retains its nutritional value, which in turn improves livestock productivity, contributing to food security and increased earnings for farmers.

In the practical component of the training, students were taken to a nearby milk factory, where they observed and engaged in the hands-on aspects of fodder production and management. This real-world experience allowed the students to practice what they had learned, from understanding the stages of fodder growth to its application in dairy production. The tour of the milk factory provided them with insights into how properly managed fodder directly influences milk yield and quality, reinforcing the importance of their newly acquired skills.

As the workshop progressed, Solomon Obike took the initiative a step further by organizing the students into three working groups. Each group was assigned a plot of land, and they were tasked with a full-cycle project – to plant, nurture, harvest, and eventually sell the fodder. This initiative is designed to simulate real-world challenges and provide the students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical and practical knowledge in a real business setting. The goal is for the students to experience firsthand the value chain in fodder production, from cultivation to commercialization.

NANTS, through this workshop, is not only enhancing the agricultural skills of these young minds but also laying the groundwork for them to become active contributors to Nigeria’s agricultural development. The project also aims to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among the students, encouraging them to see fodder production not just as a farming task but as a business opportunity that can support the livestock industry and create sustainable incomes.

The training concluded with a call for continued engagement, as the students will now move forward to implement their learnings through the land plot exercise. NANTS and ECOWAS are committed to monitoring the progress of these groups and providing additional support as they work to establish themselves as future leaders in agricultural innovation.