L-PRES trains Borno farmers in modern farming

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project in collaboration with the Borno State government has commenced business development, modern livestock farming techniques and financial management training for 100 livestock farmers in Borno State.

The participants, drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state are to be equipped  with practical skills to strengthen their livestock enterprises.

Addressing newsmen at the training ground in Maiduguri on Thursday, the State Coordinator of L-PRES, Makinta Ali, said the training was designed to enhance the capacity of livestock farmers and improve the performance of the sector in the state.

Ali said, “We are trying to equip them on how to understand  and develop their business. How to identify risk and the dynamics of the market involve. They cannot just be doing business and thinking they will get grant or loan without fully understanding business development.”

According to him, the training will also provide the participants with the opportunity to learn about business management and strategies for expansion.

“The objective is not only to improve livestock production but also to empower farmers with the skills needed to manage their enterprises effectively and sustainably,” the Coordinator highlighted.

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He urged participants to make effective use of the knowledge acquired during the training, stressing that improved business management and modern farming practices are essential for sustainable growth.

Representing the National Coordinator of L-PRES, the National Value Chain Consultant for the organisation,  Ronke Akanni congratulated the beneficiaries on their selection while describing the programme as a life-changing opportunity.

She explained that participants would also be guided on how to access loans after the training to enable them to expand their businesses and invest in improved livestock production.

“One of the activities this project holds of high importance is to support the SMEs and the beneficiaries to develop their businesses and getting access to loans, expanding and scaling up while sustaining their businesses. We believe that through this, they can sustain their businesses,” she stated.

One of the participants, Halima Abubakar, who has been rearing sheep for more than six years, said she was happy to be part of the training because it would boost her business strategy going forward.

“I have a small farm now but with this kind of support, moving forward, I am planning on making it a big farm so that I can also employ and train others in the near future,” she said.