As the rainy season approaches, farmers are encouraged to consult experts on weather patterns and farming activities. By leveraging expert advice, farmers can improve crop yields, increase profitability, and reduce environmental damage. Agricultural experts and institutions provide valuable insights on weather patterns, crop selection, and farming techniques. However, experts express concern that many smallholder farmers lack trust in scientific predictions and expert advice, hindering progress in agribusiness.
Not all farmers believe in scientific predictions
A Maiduguri-based Isa Bukar Kumshe, is a senior lecturer at the Mohammed Lawan Collage of Agriculture in Maiduguri. He said, “Some farmers used advice given to them by the experts or extension workers, but not all farmers believe in scientific predictions, especially among local farmers who have long-standing experience of traditional farming skill”.
The Importance of Trust
Kumshe said it’s very important to build trust among farmers and the agricultural extension workers to ensure improved agricultural business in the region. “It’s very important for local farmers and the experts to have a strong relationship not only during the farming seasons but also beyond, this will help in changing the attitude of the local farmers towards scientific approaches and predictions”.
He said having regular knowledge and advice from agricultural experts will sharpen a farmer’s existing skills and know-how in the aspect of agribusiness. Thus, extension workers and agricultural experts persistently educate and enlighten farmers on issues related to weather pattern, new methods and soil fertility for improved agribusiness.
Benefits of Expert Advice
Bakama Grema, 56, a farmer in northeast Nigeria “Initially, I don’t trust all that are being said by the extension workers or experts” Grema said it took him many years to believe that climate change is real and there is need to start doing things differently. “I started to embraced and work with experts’ advice having experienced lost and poor harvest consistently”, Grema said. “Things gets better in the recent years after embracing the advice given to us by the agricultural extension workers”.
Positive results using climate resilient seeds
“When recorded poor harvest for consecutive three farming seasons, I understand that there must be something wrong with the way I do things” said Abubakar Usman, a smallholder farmer. “I discussed my challenges with agriculture extension workers and they introduced me to some new farming methods and improved and climate resilient seeds. The result is positive now”.
The smallholder farmer said “even last year, were introduced to a new method on how grow a cabbage, onions and vegetables with improved and quality variety of seeds. And we benefited from the advice given to us as we recorded a bumper harvest”.
