Niger boosts school agriculture through Nourishing Nigeria Project
The Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MOBSE) is strengthening school-based agriculture, nutrition and livelihood education through the Nourishing Nigeria Project.
The project is carried out in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS).
Speaking during an engagement with FAO and FMAFS officials on Saturday, Dr Hadiza Mohammed, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, described Niger’s selection as a pilot location.
Mohammed also described the selection as a significant opportunity for the education sector and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the successful implementation and sustainability of the project.
She said the initiative aligned with the administration’s drive to equip young people with practical, market-oriented skills that could improve livelihoods and strengthen food and nutrition security.
‘’The project will enable students to acquire hands-on agricultural skills and see agriculture as a pathway to entrepreneurship, self-reliance and economic empowerment, ‘’ she said.
She pledged the state government’s support for the sustainability and expansion of the initiative, including exploring opportunities to replicate the programme in another school in the state.
The commissioner also commended FAO, FMAFS and other stakeholders for their collaboration in promoting practical skills development among young people.
Also, FMAFS Director and National Coordinator of the project, Mr Nuhu Kilishi, commended MOBSE, the project committee and other stakeholders for their commitment.
Kilishi said that the programme had recorded encouraging progress, particularly in stakeholder participation and ownership in Niger State.
On his part, Mr Isiaka Ibrahim, Nutrition and Food Systems Specialist at FAO and Project Manager of the project, said the initiative was being implemented under the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP).
According to him, the aim is to address identified development gaps and strengthen institutional capacity at the state level.
He stressed the importance of exposing young people to practical approaches to agriculture, nutrition and food systems as a means of preparing them for sustainable food production and resilient livelihoods.
‘’Following the progress recorded during the pilot phase and the strong commitment demonstrated by stakeholders, FAO is extending the initiative to an additional school in Niger.
‘’The pilot currently comprises three practical components including poultry production, aquaculture and school gardening.
‘’Through these components, students acquire skills in food production, sustainable agricultural practices and basic livelihood development, ‘’ Ibrahim said.
Newsmen report that the initiative, implemented under the United Nations system, is designed to complement classroom learning with practical agricultural experience.
It will expose students to food production, nutrition, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
It is currently being piloted at Government Girls Secondary School, Old Airport, Minna, with 20 students each from Niger State Teachers’ Professional Development College.
The formal inauguration of project in Niger is scheduled for Oct. 16 to coincide with World Food Day.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the link between education, agriculture, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods.
It will equip young people with practical competencies that can contribute to improved food systems, entrepreneurship, economic resilience and the achievement of relevant Sustainable Development Goals.