Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (ADP), in partnership with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), has begun training 2,500 livestock farmers and extension agents across the state on climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Managing Director of Kogi ADP, Mr. George Ogirima Bello, announced this during the official launch of the programme in Lokoja.

He explained that the training is a proactive measure to address the increasing threat of climate change on livestock productivity, aiming to equip farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to changing weather patterns and environmental risks.

According to him, 500 farmers are currently participating in the training in Lokoja, with similar sessions planned in Ajaokuta, Okene, Kabba, Ankpa, and Idah.

He noted that participants are expected to step down the training in their respective communities to ensure widespread impact.

“This training is not just a capacity-building session; it is part of a broader movement toward climate-smart agriculture. We are empowering our farmers to face future challenges with confidence and the right tools,” he said.

Speaking on the importance of the programme, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his sustained support for the agricultural sector, particularly in creating an enabling environment for innovation and growth.

He stated that the administration is also sponsoring hundreds of youths for advanced training in smart agriculture, noting that this current initiative aligns with the state’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.

Ojomah described the initiative as a significant step toward modernising agriculture in the state, emphasising that climate resilience is now a necessity rather than an option.

“This is more than a training; it’s a movement towards smarter, more responsive agricultural practice in the face of climate uncertainty,” he said.

Also speaking, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Otaru Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza, stated that the training will focus on three major livestock value chains, including poultry, small ruminants, and cattle.

He explained that the goal is to empower extension agents and farmers with practical solutions for sustainable productivity, emphasising that monitoring and evaluation frameworks have already been established in line with World Bank implementation standards.

“We are working closely with ADP teams and relevant ministries to ensure the effective rollout of this training. The mechanisms we have put in place will help track progress and ensure transparency in implementation,” he added.

Otaru also spoke about the importance of a new e-extension studio, provided under the Ododo administration, which will support weather forecasting and enable the dissemination of real-time information to farmers through radio, social media, and other platforms.

He emphasised that the combined efforts of all stakeholders will help strengthen Kogi’s agricultural sector and ensure long-term resilience against climate threats.