FAO trains 100 farmers on aquaculture, homestead gardening in Taraba

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has trained 100 Taraba farmers on aquaculture and homestead practice to enhance food security, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods.

Dr Ahmed Muhammed, FAO Fishery and Aquaculture expert, who conducted the training, told the Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday in Jalingo, that the training which was more of  practicals than theories was funded by the Government of Norway.

“This initiative is part of  the  FAO’s broader efforts under the scaling-up improved food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Taraba States.

The project is funded by the Government of Norway and is designed to bolster sustainable livelihoods and enhance food security in Northeast Nigeria, has 75 per cent women as beneficiaries.

The training programme has  placed significant emphasis on aquaculture and participants received hands-on instruction in critical aspects, such as fishpond construction, mobile fish tank installation, and water reticulation,” he said.

Muhammed noted that the three- day indept sessions, covered essential skills, such as site selection, pond excavation, shaping techniques, and pond lining and sealing.

“The training also include practical demonstrations on the installation and maintenance of mobile fish tanks, focusing on setting up water inlet and outlet connections, and troubleshooting common issues,” he explained.

According to FAO expert, a  key innovation in the training is the integration of aquaculture with homestead gardening, where participants have learnt how to utilise wastewater from fish farming for the irrigation of a variety of vegetables.

“The water reticulation segment will further equip beneficiaries with the knowledge to design and install effective water supply and drainage systems, ensuring optimal water flow and quality control.

“In addition to technical skills, FAO will support the formation and organization of community groups dedicated to aquaculture projects.

“Trainees were taken through group management, defining roles and responsibilities, and conflict resolution, ensuring the sustainability and success of these initiatives.

“This training underscores FAO’s ongoing commitment to building resilient communities and advancing sustainable agricultural practices in the region,” he said.

Mrs Easter Solomon, a beneficiary told our correspondent that she was so excited to be part of the training, describing it as a life changing opportunity.

Solomon, who is a group leader of one of the three groups in the training, pledged their commitment to ensuring the achievements of the objective of the project and its sustainability.

Miss Neiwana Karimu, another beneficary thanked FAO for bringing job opportunity to their door step for the good of everyone.

“I want to commend FAO for this wonderful opportunity. This project will benefit all the people of the state because the fish and variety of vegetables that we will be producing here will be a nutrition hub for all,” she said.