By Roland Ekama
The West African Association for Cross-Border Trade in Agro-Sylvo-Pastoral and Fisheries Food Products (AOCTAH/WACTAF) has expressed committed to strengthening skills and knowledge in the agricultural field across the sub – region with the establishment of three vocational centres.
The centres are Djougou in Benin Republic , Shaki in Nigeria, and Barkossi in Togo .
The centres are selected as training locations to ensure cross-border outreach and to reflect WACTAF/AOCTAH’s vision for regional agricultural development.
The vocational training centers is aimed at bringing significant values to the agricultural and perishable products within the sub sector.
The initiative focuses on critical crops such as maize, soybeans, cassava, tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
The programme provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain practical and theoretical skills, build networks within the agricultural industry, and contribute to the sustainable growth of agriculture in the region.
According to the supervisor of the trainings , Alh. Salami Nasiru Alasoadua, the innovation is centred to reflect the group’s vision for regional agricultural development.
Alasoadua, who is the President in charge of guidance at WACTAF/AOCTAH , explained to DAILYFOCUS NIGERIA on Friday, that the programme provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain practical and theoretical skills, build networks within the agricultural industry, and contribute to the sustainable growth of agriculture in the region.
He said “The purpose of the vocational training courses is to provide in-depth knowledge in the cultivation and management of the above-mentioned agricultural products. Participants will have the opportunity to acquire practical and theoretical skills, strengthening their expertise in these specific areas.
“The training contents will cover the following aspects for each culture mentioned:.Optimal cultivation technique, Crop-specific disease and pest management, Harvesting and post-harvest practices tailored to each crop, Crop-specific marketing techniques, Modern agricultural technologies that can be applied to every crop.
While highlighting some of the advantages of the programme,Alasoadua who doubles as the Public Relations Officer,West Africa Road Transport Union ( WARTU) stressed that ” It will bring about improvement of technical skills in selected crops, access to up-to-date information on best agricultural practices for each crop and networking opportunities within the agriculture industry.
He stated that two Masters Holders have been recommended for a training programme in Kwara state for additional knowledge on language and communication area of disciplines
The trainings, he said will engage seasoned experts such as Mr. Atsu Irenee and Mr. Gbaode Kévin Stanislas Houessou.
“Mr. Atsu Irenee – Holder of a professional degree in agronomy with a specialization in general plant science from the École Supérieure d’Agronomie of the University of Lomé. With extensive experience in the field, he will guide the collection of information, develop innovative technical itineraries and ensure the scientific relevance of agricultural practices. He will also be the lead trainer in all of these areas.
“Mr. Gbaode Kévin Stanislas Houessou (Agro-economics) – Holder of a professional degree in agronomy with a specialization in agro-economics and rural socio-economics.
“Bringing a crucial perspective on the economic aspect, he will lead the detailed development of business plans, integrating in-depth analyses of financial aspects, target markets and economic projections and will provide as a trainer the socio-economic aspect of all these aforementioned cultures,” A statement made available to DAILYFOCUS NIGERIA.
