EU Supports FMAFS to Train Staff on Cooperative Business Model, Agric-Financing, and Fund Management
Naija CooperativeNews
The Delegation of the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS partnered with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) to train its staff with support through the EU Support to Circular Economy, Climate Smart Agriculture, and Climate Resilience Programme by facilitating two workshops: (i) Agri-Financing and Fund Management and (ii) Cooperative Management Training on the 24th and 25th of June. This workshop support is germane in equipping the FMAFS staff to meet the demands of this crucial period and drive sustainable agricultural practices to fulfil the Food Security Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
With June marking the official start of the wet season in Nigeria, a critical period for the disbursement of financing and inputs to farmers for farming activities, The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) recognize the urgency of key training initiatives in Agri-financing and Cooperative Management. Hence, Ii is imperative to embark on the capacity development of the staff of the Ministry and its agencies in these two areas. This is to ensure that Ministry’s staff are comprehensively trained to effectively implement its local outreach programme, extending support to farmers across all 36 States of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Cooperative Management Training Programme was carried out to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to support the formation and effective management of cooperatives, especially Farmer’s Cooperatives. By fostering strong cooperatives, farmers will gain increased bargaining power, resource access, and improved market opportunities, leading to a more sustainable and profitable agricultural sector.
While the Agri-Financing and Fund Management Training was to enhance the institutional capacity of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Staff in modern agribusiness and investment portfolio management; and as well, improve the knowledge and substantive capacity of the National Agricultural Development Fund staff responsible for designing agricultural policies, practices, and interventions for farmers in Nigeria.
The EU experts and facilitators from the FMAFS are Mrs. Folake Anjorin PhD from the IAR&T Obafemi Awolowo University and Mr. Victor Oyegoke Special Assistant on Cooperatives and Farmers Welfare to the Honorable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and we have the Training Coordinators and Organizers representatives from EU and the FMAFS are Prof. Richard Pagett of the European Center for Peace and Development and Ms. Jalwau Ahmadu Bello, Special Assistant on Food Security to the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
