By Adamu Abubakar Kumo
Gombe State L-PRES Project Coordinator, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar has conducted a site visit to the Wajari Community in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area to inspect the site for rehabilitation and upgrade of the existing Farmer Field School.
During the visit, the Project Coordinator emphasized that this center will serve as a crucial platform for training local livestock farmers on best practices, thereby enhancing their productivity and profitability.
“This will not be a traditional school, instead, it will serve as a dynamic training center where farmers can learn and apply practical skills in livestock management”, he explained adding that the center will feature dedicated demonstration areas for cattle (both dairy and beef), goats, sheep, and poultry, allowing farmers to observe best practices firsthand.
Expressing satisfaction with the chosen site, the Coordinator commended its secure location, accessibility, and existing infrastructure.
“This location was strategically selected due to its strategic positioning as a converging point for herders and livestock farmers,” he noted.
Responding on behalf of the host communities, the Village Head of Wajari, Malam Muhammad Jauro appreciated the L-PRES for the intervention.
“We are deeply appreciative of L-PRES and the state government for their decision to establish this training school in our community,” he stated.
“Livestock rearing is a cornerstone of our livelihood, and modernizing our practices will significantly improve our living standards”, he added, assuring the project team of the community’s full support and pledged to actively participate in the success of the Farmer Field School.
The L-PRES team conducted a thorough inspection of infrastructure and facilities to include offices, classrooms, watering facilities for cows, goats, and sheep, toilets, water reservoirs, generator rooms, student dormitories, and other essential amenities.
The Coordinator was accompanied to the site by the Extension Officer/Project Assistant, Dr. Dauda Mishel; Animal Husbandry Officer, Bukar Gadam; Value Chain Officer, Abubakar Ibrahim Jalo; Procurement Officer, Usman Bello; Project Engineer, Samir Shehu, and other members of the project team.