Since 2015, Aqua-Green Integrated Farming Support Initiative (AGI) has been a key implementer of the Nigerian Agricultural Enterprise Curriculum (NAEC), in collaboration with the Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND). This program was designed to empower farmers, youth, and retirees with the technical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge required to excel in modern agribusiness.
The NAEC program employed a structured curriculum that integrated theoretical knowledge with hands-on training. Participants learned advanced techniques in aquaculture, poultry farming, and crop production, including biofloc systems, feed formulation, pond management, and disease prevention. The workshops provided practical exposure to modern tools and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that participants gained actionable skills.
A unique aspect of the program was its focus on entrepreneurial development. Farmers were trained to create business plans, analyze markets, manage finances, and develop value chains for their produce. This business-centric approach helped participants view their farms as enterprises rather than subsistence activities, laying the foundation for long-term profitability and growth.
- AGI also prioritized inclusivity, targeting marginalized groups such as women and youth. Over 10,000 participants were trained under this program, many of whom transitioned into agribusiness owners. To support their growth, AGI facilitated access to funding, provided startup resources, and offered personalized mentorship. Certification at the end of the program added credibility to participants, enabling them to secure market opportunities and loans.
The program’s success was evident in the numerous small and medium-scale businesses it nurtured. Participants reported increased productivity, higher incomes, and greater market access, contributing to economic growth and food security in the Niger Delta. NAEC has since become a model for capacity building in agriculture, thanks to AGI’s innovative and holistic approach.
Key Features:
- Structured Curriculum: Comprehensive training covering aquaculture, poultry, and crop farming techniques.
- Entrepreneurial Focus: Business development training, including financial management and market analysis.
- Hands-On Workshops: Practical sessions on farming tools, feed formulation, and disease control.
- Inclusivity: Programs tailored for youth, women, and retirees to ensure wide-reaching impact.
- Mentorship and Certification: Personalized guidance and certification for credibility and marketability.
The NAEC program exemplifies AGI’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a viable and sustainable pathway for economic development.
Cross River (state) · Akwa Ibom · Bayelsa · Elelenwo, Nigeria · Bénin, Nigeria · Delta State · Rivers State · Imo (state) · Aba, Nigeria
Aqua Green Plaza, Opp Diamond Close Estate by Centenary Garden on Eneka link Road, Off Eliozu – Rukpoku Road., Elelewon, Nigeria, 500211
