Sustainable agriculture: IYA equips youth with cutting-edge poultry and aquaculture skills at Radio Outreach

4 November 2024

As the world grapples with food security challenges, young people are stepping up to take charge of agriculture’s future. In a bid to empower the next generation of agripreneurs, Radio IITA Farmers Outreach, in collaboration with the IITA Youth Agripreneurs (IYA), recently launched a transformative initiative aimed at training youth in poultry and aquaculture.

The maiden livestock farmers’ training brought together a diverse group of participants from Oyo and neighboring states, with virtual attendees across Nigeria. This enthusiastic turnout highlights the growing interest among young people in sustainable agriculture as a viable career path. Dajie Odok, Radio Lead, welcomed participants, emphasizing the importance of supporting young farmers in meeting the demands of modern agriculture. She noted that equipping youth with the necessary skills can help transform their agricultural ventures into sustainable, thriving enterprises.

IYA Business Development Manager Osun Idowu encouraged the young farmers to see agriculture as a powerful vehicle for economic empowerment. “Youth have a unique opportunity to innovate and create value in the agricultural value chain,” he said, urging them to capitalize on the vast opportunities available in the sector.

The aquaculture segment, led by expert Garuba Ridwan, took the young farmers on a fish ponds and hatcheries tour, offering hands-on experience in managing fingerlings, juveniles, and feeding techniques. Ridwan also addressed risk management, market strategies, and sorting fish based on size to ensure optimum productivity—skills that will help youth turn fish farming into a profitable business.

Similarly, in the poultry session, trainer Busari Akinwunmi guided participants through essential aspects of poultry farming, including brooding operations, bird nutrition, and health management. Akinwunmi emphasized the importance of marketing strategies, empowering young farmers to connect with larger markets and scale their businesses.

Several young beneficiaries shared their experiences, expressing confidence in implementing the lessons learned. Taiwo Olamilekan, a corps member, reflected on the importance of focusing on marketing before production, a key takeaway that she believes will set her up for success. Opeyemi Amole, another participant, praised the training for providing practical solutions to the challenges he faced in feed formulation on his poultry farm.

Fish farmer Oghenefejiro Okome noted the immense potential of aquaculture for Nigeria’s youth, explaining that “fish is a high source of protein, and there’s a growing demand for it in the market. This program is timely and important for us as young people looking to fill that gap.”

Through this groundbreaking initiative, Radio IITA and IYA are revolutionizing the agricultural sector by equipping farmers with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. By focusing on accessible, practical training, the program empowers young farmers to create sustainable, profitable agricultural enterprises that will shape the future of food security in Africa and beyond.