Mario Bautista
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has trained 100 Taraba farmers on aquaculture and homestead practices to enhance food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods.
Ahmed Muhammed, an FAO Fishery and Aquaculture expert who conducted the training, said on Wednesday in Jalingo that the government of Norway funded the more practical than theoretical training.
“This initiative is part of the FAO’s broader efforts under the scaling-up of improved food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Taraba States,” he stated.
Mr Muhammed noted that the three-day in-depth sessions covered essential skills such as site selection, pond excavation, shaping techniques, and pond lining and sealing.
According to the FAO expert, a key innovation in the training is the integration of aquaculture with homestead gardening. Participants have learnt how to use wastewater from fish farming to irrigation 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 organisation 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,” he explained.
(NAN)
