Building Agricultural Capacity and Resilience in Fragile Contexts
Train-the-Trainer Initiative Enhances Good Practices and Quality Seed Use
Agricultural experts and practitioners from Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali recently benefitted from a specialized training initiative for Agri-business Small and Medium Enterprises (ASMEs) to bolster capabilities in Sorghum and Millet production and post-harvest technologies.
The three-day workshop, held at the ICRISAT Campus in Samanko, Mali, from 23-25 July 2024, was organized under the Transition Support Facility (TSF) Pillar III, and supported by the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT).
The program sought to foster agricultural transformation in Africa's fragile contexts and focused on enhancing participants' proficiency in Good Agronomic Practices (GAP), which is crucial for optimizing crop yields.
Participants were trained in effective land preparation, advanced crop management techniques, fertilizer application, weed control, and best practices in harvesting and post-harvest management. Mr Boubakray Cisse, a Technology Transfer Specialist and one of the trainers, emphasized that these practices are vital for improving the quality and yield of agricultural products.
The training employed a ''train-the-trainer' approach, equipping participants with the skills necessary to disseminate knowledge effectively within their communities and organizations.
Dr Dougbedji Fatondji, Consultant and Project Coordinator, highlighted the importance of integrating seed production techniques into broader crop management strategies.
"This approach not only enhances agricultural productivity but also empowers young people and women by equipping them with skills in business creation, management, service delivery, and monitoring and evaluation," shared Dr Fatondji.
The sessions were structured around three main modules:
- Sorghum and Millet Production Techniques,
- Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), and
- Sorghum and Millet Harvest and Post-Harvest Management.
The ISFM module, in particular, deepened participants' understanding of sustainable soil fertility practices, emphasizing the conservation and restoration of soil health to support long-term agricultural productivity.
Participants expressed enthusiasm on the knowledge gained from the training. Ms Aissata Ouedrago, an Agricultural Technician from Burkina Faso, noted that the training would enable her to better support producers in the field. Mr Abdoulaye Borou from Chad’s Ministry of Agricultural Production and Industrialization appreciated the focus on seed systems, which he believes will lead to significant improvements in his country.
“The training emphasized the need for change, particularly regarding the seed system. Also, the facilitators introduced us to a seed roadmap, which is very promising,” noted Mr Borou.
The Millet and Sorghum Compact of TAAT is paving the way for inclusive growth and economic empowerment in regions where agricultural transformation is essential for socio-economic stability.
Moving forward, stakeholders anticipate that the knowledge and skills acquired during the training will contribute to sustainable agricultural development and resilience in the face of climate change and other environmental pressures.
"This initiative represents a concerted effort to address the unique challenges faced by the agricultural sectors in fragile contexts. By enhancing the capacity of trainers and practitioners, the program aims to drive large-scale improvements in agricultural productivity across the beneficiary countries," said Dr Rebbie Harawa, Director of ICRISAT's Africa Program.
About TAAT: The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative is funded by a grant from the African Development Bank, with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) serving as the executive agency. IITA collaborates closely with other CGIAR centers, including the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), as well as specialized institutions like the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), among others. The Millet and Sorghum Compact of TAAT is implemented by ICRISAT and its partners.
Header image: Training participants take a group photo in front of the ICRISAT Genebank in Mali.
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