The Kano State Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP), in partnership with the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), has trained 45 local fabricators to produce agricultural machines for small and medium-scale farmers.
The project, funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and Lives and Livelihoods Funds, is being executed in collaboration with the Agricultural Engineering Department workshop at the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The agricultural sector in Kano State, Nigeria, is undergoing a transformation driven by the increasing adoption of mechanization.
While this shift is promising for boosting productivity and reducing labour burdens, the local manufacturing of agricultural machines faces several challenges. These include erratic power supply, high raw material costs, inefficient automation, and a lack of technical know-how.
The program aims to enhance the skills of local fabricators and welders, enabling them to produce high-quality agricultural machines that meet the needs of smallholder farmers.
So far, 45 local fabricators have been trained and empowered with welding and fabrication kits worth N8.5 million to enhance their trade.
The kits include a pair of welding helmets, safety glasses, welding inverter machines, angle grinders, safety booths, and protective gloves.
The training program, facilitated by the Sasakawa Africa Association implementing the crop component of the KSADP, focused on practical skills development, with 90% of the training dedicated to hands-on activities.
The participants were taught general safety precautions, how to read manufacturing drawings, operate machine tools, balance rotating parts, and weld components effectively.
The trainees, selected from the 44 LGAs of the state, gained knowledge of the strength of materials and different welding methods.
The training is expected to provide participants with the skills necessary to operate and maintain machinery efficiently, reducing reliance on manual labour.
It also aims to equip participants with the technical knowledge and skills required to design, fabricate, and supply high-quality agricultural machines.
The training will also emphasize the quality and durability of locally manufactured machines, dispelling any misconceptions about their performance.
Through the training, participants will also be provided with basic business management skills, helping them to run their fabrication businesses effectively.
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