By Fatima Muraina

The Ondo State Government has taken a significant step towards enhancing food security by training 40 extension agents and livestock community service providers in Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP).

The training, organised by the State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, was conducted in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area, Ondo State.

Speaking at the event, the State L-PRES Project Coordinator, Mr. Olufemi Adeogun, described the training as a critical element of the project’s implementation, designed to strengthen livestock resilience and promote commercialisation in the state.

According to a statement issued by the project’s Communication/ICT Officer, Mr. Augustine Adeoye, Mr. Adeogun underscored the importance of equipping extension agents and community livestock service providers with up-to-date knowledge and techniques to advance livestock rearing practices.

He called on the participants to put the training into practice by sharing their newfound knowledge with livestock farmers, emphasising their responsibility to educate and assist farmers directly.

Expressing his gratitude to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for supporting the L-PRES Project, Mr. Adeogun noted that the initiative would significantly improve livestock production, resilience, and commercialisation in the state.

“This training is key to adopting emerging technologies in animal husbandry, leading to increased productivity. Our aim is to enable the trained agents to train farmers, thereby ensuring food security and producing high-quality, protein-rich meat,” he said.

A Professor of Agricultural Extension from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Olaniyi Okunlola, delivered sessions on livestock extension methodologies, marketing strategies, and production economics. He stated that these areas were vital for improving farmers’ productivity and enhancing the livestock value chain.

Prof. Okunlola emphasised the need for record-keeping and effective monitoring in livestock farming. He explained that the training prepared participants to establish farmers’ field schools and business schools, manage farm records, and secure financial assistance for improved marketing strategies.

“Livestock farming goes beyond production; it requires sound business practices to meet project goals. The trainees are now better equipped to provide farmers with the information needed to boost livestock production and foster social inclusion,” he added.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the state government and the L-PRES Project. Prince Adelana Adesunloye remarked, “We are now equipped with the necessary knowledge about good animal husbandry practices, and we are ready to replicate what we have learned among farmers.”

Similarly, Mrs. Babatunde Bosede noted, “This training has broadened our understanding, especially in gender inclusion and effective animal handling. We are better prepared to assist farmers and encourage their participation in livestock production.”

Describing the training as “an eye-opener,” Mr. Arokoyu Ojo highlighted its importance in addressing challenges faced by farmers. “This training has equipped us to play a pivotal role in achieving the project’s objectives by improving livestock production and enhancing food security in the state,” he said.

The L-PRES Project is a six-year World Bank-funded intervention, with Ondo State being one of the 20 implementing states in Nigeria.