As part of efforts aimed at developing local agricultural mechanization solutions to reduce drudgery, minimize postharvest losses and enhance food security, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Nigeria has facilitated the training of 20 local agricultural machine fabricators from Nasarawa State, Nigeria, to produce multi-crop threshers. The training was held from November 10-21, 2024 under the Evidence-Based Regenerative Agriculture to Address Climate Change in Africa project funded by the Policy and Human Resource Development Grant (PHRDG 1) of Japan through the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The training was conducted at the Department of Agricultural Mechanization and Bioresources Engineering workshop of the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State. It comes three months after a similar one was organized at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Idofian, Kwara State for 35 local fabricators from Kano State, under the Kano State Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP). A similar one was held last year 2023 where 45 fabricators were also trained in Kano state.

The SAA Fabricators during a training session at the Agricultural Engineering and Bioresources Engineering workshop, Institutre of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

Through the training of the local fabricators selected from Lafia, Obi, Keffi and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, the project is addressing the urgent need for cost-effective mechanization solutions that can greatly enhance farming efficiency. The training equips the participants with essential skills and knowledge to reduce the high costs associated with acquiring and maintaining agricultural machinery and enabling smallholder farmers to adopt modern farming techniques and technologies. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Godwin Atser, the Country Director of Sasakawa Africa Association, SAA Nigeria stated that the initiative’s impact transcends agricultural benefits. According to him, “nurturing a locally based production system for vital farming equipment creates job opportunities within the community, thereby strengthening the local economy.”

 He explained that the training highlights SAA’s dedication to uplifting communities through localized solutions that improve both agricultural efficiency and economic stability. 

His words: “We’re upskilling local fabricators to help farmers access simple mechanization tools. The local fabricators will be able to produce and service essential agricultural machines that help farmers enhance productivity, maximize their yields and minimize post-harvest losses. All these feed into our desire to have a more food- and income-secure farmer population.”

Addressing the trainees, the Executive Director of the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Prof. Ado Yusuf, described SAA as “a worthy partner in progress” in the quest to provide Nigerian farmers with post-harvest solutions through simple mechanization tools. The ED was represented by the Deputy ED of the institute, Prof Nafiu Abdul who provided details about the training curriculum.

He explained that “the program is introducing trainees to various welding and fabrication techniques, covering topics such as welding methods, metal cutting, blueprint reading, joining techniques, material selection, fabrication tools and equipment, and safety practices.”

The trainees celebrate the completion of structural work on the multi thresher. 

One of the trainees, Usman Jibrin, a 28-year-old from Akurba community in Lafia LGA, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. "I am truly grateful for this chance,” he said. “I promise to diligently upskill and utilize the knowledge I gain to support SAA’s efforts in reducing post-harvest losses in my community. Farmers in my community spend long hours harvesting, the harvest is tasking and some grains are lost due to prolonged harvest periods. When I get back home after this training, I will produce a thresher and start supporting our farmers to tackle these challenges.”

The Sasakawa Africa Association Nigeria is implementing this PHRDG-1-funded project in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the Soft Bank in select LGAs in Nasarawa State Nigeria.

Moses Nongoatse
Communication Officer,
Sasakawa Africa Association Nigeria.

For more information
Contact: Communication Officer, Sasakawa Africa Association- Nigeria
Abuja Office: No 19 Ogbomosho Street, Garki Area 8, Abuja, Nigeria
Kano Office: No.8 Kura Road, Off Magajin Rumfa Road, Nassarawa GRA PO Box 5190, Kano, Nigeria. Email: mnongoatse@saa-safe.org +234-806-65763542