PROSELL: Cultivating Prosperity in Taraba State Through Sustainable Farming Practices
Handover of the State Lead Farmers Register to the State Government by the Project Manager and Chairperson Coalition of CSOs.
In the heart of Taraba State, Nigeria, a transformative initiative known as the PROSELL project has been quietly cultivating a revolution in agriculture since its inception in 2020. PROSELL, for Produce and Sell with components of promoting sustainable agriculture and livelihoods, has become a beacon of hope for rural communities, thanks to its innovative training and capacity-building approach.
The journey began with a vision to bridge the knowledge and skill gaps among farmers in state and local communities. The government joined hands with PROSELL to embark on an ambitious training program for Extension Agents, the unsung heroes working tirelessly to uplift rural livelihoods. These agents, equipped with newfound wisdom, were entrusted with training Lead Farmers selected from the 80 intervention communities in Taraba state.
The PROSELL training sessions, from 2020 to 2023, covered a spectrum of topics ranging from Good Agricultural Practices and Agro-EcoSystem Analysis to animal husbandry and livestock management. These weren't just ordinary training sessions; they were the seeds of change planted in the fertile minds of those who would become the driving force for agricultural transformation.
The annual rhythm of PROSELL's impact was orchestrated through a symphony of six training programs. Extension Agents became maestros, conducting a knowledge transfer to Lead Farmers weekly. These Lead Farmers, in turn, became ambassadors of change, cascading the acquired wisdom to other members of farmers' groups and Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) across their communities.
The impact of PROSELL wasn't confined to the training sessions. Farmers began reporting tangible outcomes—improved agribusiness capacity, heightened animal care, and a remarkable shift from subsistence to commercial farming. The stories were testaments to the transformative power of knowledge.
Innovative approaches and focus areas illuminated the path to sustainability. Farmers' Field Business School, Pluralistic extension service delivery, and the Farmers Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) approach became integral chapters in the PROSELL story.
As the sun sets on another year of PROSELL, the landscape of Taraba State is adorned with fields of prosperity. Farmers, once grappling with knowledge gaps, are now empowered stewards of their land. Animals are thriving, and once-subsistence farmers have become agribusiness entrepreneurs, supporting their families and elevating their communities.
The story of PROSELL is one of resilience, growth, and sustainable prosperity. It's a story that resonates not just in Taraba State but echoes as a testament to the transformative power of knowledge in progress and development.
With the support of the European Union, we are improving Livelihood, Food Security and building resilient communities.
