AfDB to boost rural farming with $120m investment in Agricultural Technology Innovation
IN its quest to boost rural farming in Africa, the African Development Bank (AfDB), has earmarked $120 million to advance the adoption of agricultural technology innovation.
Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation TAAT Coordinator, Mr. Krishan Bheenick, made this known at the capacity development and technology outreach programme sponsored by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in collaboration with the AfDB and TAAT in Abuja.
The fund which is to be divided into three phases having $40 million each from 2018-2021, is aimed at supporting 40 million farmers through the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme.
The Lead Specialist, Innovation Systems and Partnerships for FARA, Dr. Oluwole Fatunbi, noted that the training was of utmost importance looking at the functions of agriculture extension workers in boosting farm production.
He explained further that the 70 people being trained are expected to train 50 others, adding that the 400 innovation platforms would meet the needs of about 25,000 farmers in each of the innovation hubs.
– TRIBUNE
