USAID reiterates commitment to agric research, training

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has reiterated its commitment to improve Agricultural training, research and productivity in Nigeria.

This was disclosed by Mr. Mike Bassey, the Director of the USAID, Farmer – to – Farmer Programme during a two-week seminal and workshop for staffers of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree on “ Capacity Building in Grant Proposal Writing” packaged by USAID and Winrock International as parts of effort to strengthen the institution’s proposed Agric Engineering and Agricultural Science Department.

A statement by Mr. Tope Abiola, Media Relations Officer of the Institution said; Mr. Bassey explained that USAID and Winrock International are ready to partner with any institution or organization that is ready to improve agricultural production in the country through Farmer – to – Farmer Programme 

Addressing management of the institution after the workshop, the Farmer – to – Farmer Volunteer for Grant Proposal Writing, Training and Capacity Building Miss Leslie Harris Cosgrove from United States of America opined that the training would empower staffers of the institution to write proposals and assess available grants for capacity building in Agriculture, Engineering, Science and allied disciplines.

Leslie declared that Agricultural Research and Training was important for Nigeria as a country to improve on its dwindling economy situation with the large resources and potentials available in the country. 

According to her, “the motto or vision of reculture the culture of agriculture within Nigeria is resounding and should be your battle cry. This speaks to the history, culture, society, governance, economy, and people of the past, present and future of Nigeria.” 

She described Agriculture “as the core of human existence”, saying “times have not changed and populations continue to grow, and needs to increase our agricultural capacity is at a critical stage. If you are to meet the demands to feed the future and eradicate hunger and extreme poverty under the Sustainable Development Goals 2016 – 2030, Nigeria must take a regional and global leading role in that movement”, said Leslie. She however commended management of the institution for its effort in inculcating Agricultural Engineering and Research into its academic Programmes.