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A G Leventis always knew that there would come
a time when Nigeria would have to return to an economy based
on agriculture. It was A G Leventis last wish to create a
foundation to ensure this trasition takes place.
The overall objective of the foundation is to attract youths
into agriculture as well as, train and support them to adopt
improved, eco-friendly farming practices, and technology aimed
at reducing drudgery while but increasing the national food/fibre
basket and ensuring enhanced sustainable livelyhood for the
farming families.
To
date seven schools have been established in Nigeria and Ghana
specialising in innovative ways of training small scale farmers
to improve productivity, efficiency and environmental sensitivity,
taking advantage of the latest research at the International
Institute of Tropical Agriculture and elsewhere. The trainees
spend a year at the schools and then, returning to their farms
and communities, are advised and supported by the schools'
extension programmes.
By
their example, they transfer their skills to other farmers
in their area, whilst the schools also organise short training
courses and farmers' field days for the surrounding communities.
The Foundation is also a prime mover in the preservation of
natural resources in co-operation with the Nigerian Conservation
Foundation. A major contribution in this field involves the
construction of a Resources Centre at Okomu, in a government-protected
high rainfall forest area in Edo State and the setting up
of an agro-forestry conservation programme for local farmers.
The Foundation supports and finances ad-hoc but strategic
initiatives that can improve agricultural education and training
towards a sustainable development of the agriculture and rural
sector of the economy in the sub-region.
The Foundation develops and publishes periodicals and magazines,
especially those aimed at improving the performance of small
scale framers.
www.leventisfoundationnigeria.org
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