ACAI Extension Agents Trained for Dissemination of the Decision Support Tools

Africa Cassava Agronomy ACAI conducted a training of trainers for extension agents working with Oyo State Cassava Growers Association (OYSCGA). The training is the first of a series planned to kick off the dissemination of the ACAI decision support tools in Nigeria and later in Tanzania.

Extension agents drawn from 11 local governments across Oyo State in Nigeria were trained on the modalities of conducting dissemination activities and to capture feedback from beneficiaries. The trained EAs are also tasked to conduct step down training in the local governments for their colleagues.

The training was led IITA and ACAI’s senior Agronomist Dr. Stefan Hauser accompanied by IITA colleagues Mr. Saburi Adekunbi, Mr. Thompson Ogunsanmi, Mr. Dada Adeboye, and Ms. Augustina Amaechi.

The trainees were shown practical demonstrations of using tables and maps as the paper-based format of the Best Cassava Planting Practice (BPP) decision support tools. The training also included a guide on applying the recommendations from the tools and using the monitoring and evaluation tools to collect information after dissemination events.

ACAI and OYSCGA agreed on the validation and dissemination activities action plan for 2019 that will be implemented at the grassroots level by the Extension Agents affiliated to the association. The EAs will be expected to run demonstrations of the ACAI tools for farmers and provide recommendations within their operation domains while collecting data on the adoption, use, and feedback from beneficiaries.

OYSCGA chairman Mr. Bashir Adesiyan expressed his appreciation to ACAI for organizing facilitating the training. ACAI has worked with development partners such as OYSCGA to develop decision tools for extension agents to provide farmers with best agronomic advice for cassava intensification and optimized productivity.