CARDS Organizes Workshop to Enhance Research and Support Farmers

The Centre for Agriculture and Rural Development Studies (CARDS) at the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) recently hosted a one-day training workshop aimed at equipping staff with skills to package research outputs that can be effectively utilized by farmers to enhance food security in Nigeria.

The event, themed "Packaging Research Output for Uptake of Farmers to Enhance Food Security in Nigeria," brought together staff from CARDS and the Faculty of Agriculture.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Abdul Rahman, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Aleruchi Chuku, emphasized the importance of conducting research with practical applications for agriculturalists and national food security. Prof. Rahman urged participants to ensure their research addresses real agricultural challenges and contributes to improving food supply and security.

The Director of CARDS, Prof. Folorunso Ajayi, stated that the workshop aimed to provide academics, technologists, and students with the necessary skills to present research findings in accessible formats for farmers. The Deputy Director of CARDS, Dr. Stella Adejoh, highlighted the training as a crucial platform for bridging the gap between research and field application.

The event featured a presentation by Prof. Edwin Idu on strategies for transforming complex research results into simplified, farmer-friendly formats. Participants engaged in interactive sessions focusing on issues such as post-harvest losses, weak agricultural extension systems, and the need to strengthen research dissemination channels. The workshop also recognized Prof. Shehu Abdul Rahman's leadership and support for research and innovation at FULafia with a special award.