Farmers interact and collaborate at Green Field Day 2023

13 October 2023

In an ongoing effort to empower farmers and advance climate-smart and good agricultural practices (GAP), the IITA-led USAID-funded Feed-the-Future Nigeria Integrated Agriculture Activity (NIAA) held its annual Green Field Day across the intervention local government areas (LGAs) in Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe states.

Lead farmer Demsa LGA Adamawa State Mr Dimas Hassan explaining the characteristics and performances of each improved variety of maize Sammaz 27, sammaz 15 and the local variety planted.
Lead farmer Demsa LGA Adamawa State Mr Dimas Hassan explaining the characteristics and performances of each improved variety of maize Sammaz 27, sammaz 15 and the local variety planted.

On this occasion, farmers are shown the effects of adhering to GAP through demonstration plots cultivated earlier in the year. Therefore, the event helps reinforce farmers’ learning and exposes them to cutting-edge technologies while emphasizing practical aspects of GAP. This year’s Green Field Day kicked off on 18 September.

one of the participants in Demsa asking questions and giving a general vote of thanks to IITA.
one of the participants in Demsa asking questions and giving a general vote of thanks to IITA.

At the Green Field Day in Demsa LGA, Adamawa State, the Activity’s Senior Agronomist, Azeez Oyeyemi, explained that the day allows farmers to interact and collaborate. “It is not just about experts imparting knowledge; it is also a forum for farmers to share their experiences. This important feature of the special day encourages the exchange of ideas and fosters a sense of community and ownership among participants.”

Soyabean lead farmer in Guyuk LGA of Adamawa State Mr Kadawasor explaining the effect of Nodumas and SSP fertilizer on the growth of soyabean.
Soyabean lead farmer in Guyuk LGA of Adamawa State Mr Kadawasor explaining the effect of Nodumas and SSP fertilizer on the growth of soyabean.

Working with Senior Technical Field Officers in the four intervention states, Oyeyemi provides expert opinions to farmers seeking clarification, guidance, and advice. This direct interaction with NIAA staff allows for tailored solutions to specific challenges faced by individual farmers. Overall, the knowledge and experiences gained during this event will undoubtedly lead to improved agricultural practices, increased yields, and enhanced livelihoods for farmers in the intervention states.

Contributed by Ann Odaudu