Bridging Research and Farmers for Sustainable Agriculture
The Adopted Research Outreach Centers (AROCs) initiative, spearheaded by the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), is a transformative model for disseminating improved agricultural technologies to smallholder farmers and schools. By fostering direct collaboration between researchers, extension agents, and farming communities, AROCs enhance food security, empower farmers, and inspire youth engagement in agriculture.
Concept and Historical Background
Origins and Evolution
- Inaccessibility of improved technologies for smallholder farmers.
- Weak linkages between research, extension, and farmers.
- 638% growth in adopted villages (52 to 384 by 2016).
- 277% growth in adopted schools (52 to 196 by 2016).
- 1,024,835 beneficiaries by 2016, including 627,844 farmers and 80,788 students.
Core Objectives
- Promote large-scale adoption of improved technologies (e.g., disease-resistant crops, fish farming).
- Empower resource-poor farmers and create jobs for youths.
- Enhance food security through productivity gains.
- Inspire students to pursue agriculture via school farms and curriculum integration.
Implementation Framework
Selection of Villages and Schools
Criteria:
- Proximity to research institutes (expanded from 20km to 50km radius).
- Active farmer groups (prioritizing women and youth).
Process:
- NARIs/FCAs identify communities and demonstrate economically viable, simple, and culturally compatible technologies.
Distribution
Distribution Across Geopolitical Zones
North West
Adopted Villages: 62
Adopted Schools: 30
North East
Adopted Villages: 74
Adopted Schools: 31
North Central
Adopted Villages: 115
Adopted Schools: 63
South West
Adopted Villages: 48
Adopted Schools: 34
South East
Adopted Villages: 34
Adopted Schools: 24
South South
Adopted Villages: 49
Adopted Schools: 14
Total Impact
Total Villages
382
Total Schools
196
Key Stakeholders
| Stakeholder | Role |
|---|---|
| Researchers | Adapt technologies (e.g., fish pond systems, improved seeds). |
| Extension Agents | Train farmers and monitor adoption. |
| Farmers | Participate in trials and adopt proven methods. |
| Schools | Integrate modern techniques (e.g., poultry production, crop trials). |
Key Activities and Interventions
Technology Dissemination
Priority Commodities:
- Fish: Pond culture, plastic tanks (NIOMR, Lagos).
- Maize: SAMMAZ 11 & 14 (IAR Zaria).
- Rice: FARO 44, 52 (NCRI Badeggi).
- Cassava: TME 419 (NIHORT, Ibadan).
Inputs Distributed:
- 27,450 male farmers and 17,550 female farmers received seeds/fingerlings (NCRI Badeggi).
Success Stories from AROC Centers
National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi
Technologies: Upland rice (FARO 55), lowland rice (FARO 44), rice-fish farming.
Impact:
- 192,150 farm families benefited (27,450 males, 17,550 females).
- 4,340 male students and 2,660 female students trained.
National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom
Technologies: Newcastle disease vaccines, broiler production.
Impact:
- 1,687 farm families vaccinated poultry.
- 1,720 male students and 1,055 female students engaged.
Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan
Technologies: Cassava-maize intercrop, fish farming.
Impact:
- 17,388 farm families adopted improved practices.
- 899 male students and 736 female students trained.
Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI), Maiduguri
Technologies: Drought-tolerant millet (SOSATC88), maize varieties.
Impact:
- 882 farm families increased yields by 30%.
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Late fund disbursement | Advocate for pre-season budget approval |
| Herder-farmer conflicts | Community dialogue and fencing |
| Low youth participation | Linkages with government financial institutions for loans |
| Poor technology adoption | Intensive hands-on training |
Future Plans
- Scale-Up: Target all 774 LGAs in Nigeria.
- Sustainability: Partner with private sector for input financing.
Resources
Contact us for resources on AROCs