The Taraba State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has graduated the first batch of 60 farmers trained in Climate-Smart Advisory Services and Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP).
The training, held from February 28 to April 6, 2026, took place at the Farmers Field School in Jimlari, Lau Local Government Area, and focused on digital extension approaches and climate-smart advisory services aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and resilience across the state.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, which featured the presentation of certificates to the graduands, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Nicholas Oliver Namessan, represented by the Director of Livestock Services, Mr. Dame Musa Buhari, said agriculture in Taraba State is increasingly under threat from climate change.
He cited erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures and emerging pest threats as key challenges undermining traditional farming systems and food security, stressing the need for modern, technology-driven extension services.
According to him, digital extension platforms will enable farmers to access real-time information such as weather forecasts, market prices and tailored advisory services via mobile phones, internet platforms and data analytics, helping to bridge gaps caused by distance and limited manpower.
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The commissioner also emphasized the role of climate-smart advisory services in improving productivity, strengthening resilience to climate shocks and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He urged the trained agents to cascade the knowledge to farmers at the grassroots and assured them of the ministry’s continued support.
Earlier, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr. Hananiah G. Albert, described the training as critical to the success of the project. Represented by the project’s ICT Officer, Mr. Ezra Artimas, he commended the support of Governor Agbu Kefas and reiterated that L-PRES, a World Bank-funded initiative, targets livestock development in areas such as cattle, sheep, goats and poultry, where the state has comparative advantage.
He explained that the training, conducted under sub-component 1.2 of the project, equipped participants with skills in digital extension tools, climate-smart advisory services and best practices in animal husbandry to enhance service delivery and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Mr. Albert also appreciated the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the national coordination office of L-PRES, trainers and participants for their commitment to advancing livestock development in Taraba State.
