The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL Plc) has set an ambitious target of reaching 100,000 farmers across the country through its Agro Geo-Cooperative training program.
This initiative is designed to support the federal government’s food security agenda by empowering farmers and boosting agricultural productivity. NIRSAL’s Head of Value Chain Capacity Development, Ibrahim Suleiman, revealed this target at the close of a midyear capacity development program for aquaculture and cassava value chain actors held in Imo, Sokoto, Kwara, and Oyo states.
The program successfully trained over 2,000 lead farmers and extension agents, who are now tasked with passing on their knowledge to an additional 40,000 farmers. Central to NIRSAL’s strategy is the Agro Geo-Cooperative model, which organizes smallholder farmers into structured groups with strong governance systems. This model enhances access to finance, inputs, and mechanization services, ultimately leading to higher yields and improved market opportunities.
The initiative has drawn praise from various quarters, including the Chairman of the Imo State House Committee on Agriculture, Uche Agabige, who lauded NIRSAL for its efforts in enhancing agricultural productivity within the state.
NIRSAL’s ongoing commitment to training and capacity building is expected to significantly impact Nigeria’s agricultural sector, contributing to both food security and economic growth.
