REPORT ON ACTIVITIES AT THE RUBBER RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF NIGERIA ADOPTED VILLAGES AND SCHOOLS OUTREACH.

Introduction

The Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria Benin (RRIN) is one of the institutes under the Nigeria Agricultural Research Institutes currently receiving support from the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP-NIGERIA). The objective of WAAPP is to increase agricultural productivity while promoting regional integration.

The development objective of the WAAPP is to strengthen the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in Nigeria to contribute to technology development, dissemination and adoption to boost agricultural productivity increases in Nigeria’s top commodity sub-sectors that are aligned with sub-regional priorities.

Introduction contd

Before the inception of WAAPP last year in August 2012, there was virtually nothing on ground to show for activities at the adopted villages and secondary schools, this was largely due to zero funding from the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN).RRIN had only one adopted village project site and two secondary schools. Presently, with funding from WAAPP and dedication from the staff working in the Adopted village project, RRIN now have two adopted village sites and they are Iguovbiobo and Iyanomo. The secondary schools are RRIN secondary school Iyanomo and Ozolua grammar school Ologbo, with presence of full activities on the ground at these sites.

This report will be divided into four parts under the Adopted villages and secondary schools, it will give a picture of the past (pre-WAAPP) and the present (WAAPP sponsored).

The approved technology for RRIN is the intercropping of cassava (NR 8082) with natural rubber (NIG 800 series).

RRIN got her first financial intervention from WAAPP on November 30 th 2012 and activities kicked off in February; 2013.The delay was due to the industrial action at the various NARIs.

IGUOVBIOBO ADOPTED VILLAGE PROJECT

Before WAAPP, there was really nothing on ground at the site; the rubber planted there had been destroyed by cattle. At WAAPPs inception and intervention, the community gave out a new piece of land of 1 ha. The land was cleared and planted to cassava. Due to the encroachment of cattle, the farm has been fenced round with bamboos.

There is another training session coming up next week on intercropping of cassava with NIG 804 series at the farm. The farmers have already been informed and even mobilized to attend the training on the 20th and 21st of August, 2013.

Another achievement by WAAPP is the renovation of the meeting venue for training session. 5 panel doors were replaced with locks and bricklaying work also carried out.

Funds have also been released for the purchase of 50 nos of plastic chairs for use by trainees for the community.

IYANOMO ADOPTED VILLAGE PROJECT

Pre-WAAPP period, there was no adopted village site here. This is one of the achievements. RRIN has been able to secure a second adopted village with the intervention fund from WAAPP. The community gave out 1 ha of land for the project. The land just like Iguovbiobo was planted to cassava (NR 8082) in March 2013. The crops are doing well. There is a training session for the farmers on the intercropping of NIG 805 series with the planted cassava on the 22nd and 23rd of August, 2013 at the project site.

Equally funds have also been released for the purchase of 50 nos of plastic chairs for the community.

It must also be mentioned that one of the challenges of the past (Pre-WAAPP era) was maintenance of the plantation because of paucity of funds but now weeding is regularly carried out.

RRIN SECONDARY SCHOOL

RRIN secured a 0.25 ha of land from the secondary school to carry out activities there. The land was planted to cassava with natural rubber and high value crops such as arvingia and plantain.

The young farmers’ club was organized for the students with the assistance of the desk officer and other staff of the AROC team. Election of officers was also carried out to manage the affairs of the club.

Various training sessions have been carried out through the young farmers club such as intercropping of cassava with natural rubber, application of fertilizer in a farm, raising rabbits in a matured rubber plantation.

The cassava that was planted last year at the project site has been harvested. This harvest took place three weeks ago and the root tubers were sold, the proceeds from the farm were given to the young farmers’ club to re-invest. The stems recovered were also planted back into the farm.

The secondary school was recently given 50 nos plastic chairs for use by the young farmers’ club and relevant books and materials on intercropping, snailery and other agricultural materials were donated to the young farmers’ club.

Pictures of training session at RRIN Secondary School.

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OZOLUA SECONDARY SCHOOL

RRIN also secured a 0.25 ha from the school. The land has been planted to cassava. It has also been fenced round with bamboo because of regular encroachment by cattle.

The school also has an active young farmers’ club organized for the school by the AROC team.

Training sessions have also been carried out on plantation establishment, application of fertilizer and herbicide.

50 nos plastic chairs have equally been given to the school to facilitate effective training sessions and donation of agricultural text books, bulletins, manuals and other relevant materials to aid training of the students on agricultural related subjects. I hereby attach an appreciation letter by the Principal of the school to the Executive Director for the items sent to aid training of the young farmers’ club.

An Appreciation Letter from the Principal

Conclusion

The Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria is immensely grateful to the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN)-WAAPP for the financial intervention and dedication, commitment of the AROC Team in the Adopted villages and Secondary schools.

It is expected that more success stories will continue to emerge as more funds are released.

Thank you