Bread for the World Project: capacity building of small-scale farmers to enhance food security in Kaduna State, North-West Region, Nigeria. (Phase II). Implementers: Rural Development Councillors (RURCON)
State/Location Visited: Taba Village Soba LGAs, Kaduna State
Introduction
My name is Abba Isiyaku, a 32-year-old resident of Taba in Soba LGA, Kaduna State. I’m a husband to a loving wife and a father to four beautiful children. Our community has faced many challenges over the years, but the intervention of RURCON four years ago brought significant changes to our lives.
The Problem: Struggling with Traditional Farming Methods
Before RURCON’s arrival, I owned a poultry farm where chickens roamed freely around our compound. I lacked the knowledge and skills to properly care for them, leading to minimal productivity and profits. Like many other youths in Taba, I struggled to market our agricultural produce effectively. We faced numerous challenges, such as poor feed formulation, lack of proper housing for livestock, and inefficient record-keeping.
Impact on Daily Life
Our daily lives were a constant struggle. Limited funds meant my children couldn’t attend school, and the future seemed uncertain. The lack of proper agricultural training left many of us in Taba unable to maximize our resources, and the community was trapped in a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.
RURCON’s Intervention
RURCON’s training programs brought a beacon of hope to Taba. They provided comprehensive training on marketing agricultural produce, feed formulation, cattle and poultry rearing, and grain sales. This training opened our eyes to modern farming techniques and business strategies.
Abba’s Transformation
The training revolutionized my approach to poultry farming. I learned the importance of creating a proper housing space for my chickens and maintaining detailed records. With these new skills, I improved my poultry farm and started a grain-selling business. Collaborating with other youths in Taba, we bought grains during the dry season when prices were low and sold them during the rainy season when demand was high. This strategy significantly boosted our profits.
Overcoming Challenges
We faced challenges, especially with the increase in fuel prices, which limited the number of grain bags we could afford. Despite these setbacks, we remained resilient and focused on our goals. The knowledge and skills acquired from RURCON enabled us to adapt and continue thriving.
Positive Outcomes
Thanks to the profits from our businesses, I was able to buy a car and build a more conducive poultry house. My children’s lives improved as well; I can now afford to send all four of them to school. I even started rearing cattle with a better approach, ensuring proper housing and feeding practices.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on this journey, I’m incredibly grateful to RURCON. Their training equipped us with the necessary skills to become self-sufficient and support our families and community. Today, I am building my own house, a dream I never thought possible. The impact of RURCON’s training extends beyond financial gains; it has also taught us to live peacefully with our neighbors and neighboring communities.
Community Impact
The success stories from RURCON’s training have inspired many in Taba. People frequently ask when they can enroll in the program. We’ve formed a cooperative to support each other and hope that RURCON’s project will extend to other neighboring communities and be sustained for years to come.
Conclusion
My story is a testament to the transformative power of education and skills training. RURCON has not only changed my life but has also brought hope and progress to our entire community. I am confident that with continued support and training, Taba will continue to thrive, and our future will be brighter than ever.