Promoting integrated farming systems and human capacity development for empowering Nigerian youth in sustainable agroforestry

Abstract

The study examined skills acquisition training programme of Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN), from 2010 to 2015, and the role of RRIN in building capacities for industrial students of higher institutions in Nigeria. Both primary and secondary data were collected and used for the study. Data on students trained by RRIN for 6 years were retrieved from the archives of Extension and Training Division of Research Outreach Department of RRIN. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, mean. Findings on human capacity development and capacity building of youth and students in the scheme revealed that OND (30%), HND (18%) and BSc (52%) of the Students developed their skills in rubber-based farming systems. Also, RRIN built capacity for 587 students from 32 higher institutions in Nigeria. Most of the students (52.94%) attributed their preferences for RRIN to development and availability of good training materials, while other students (23.53%) attributed their preferences to dedicated staff of RRIN. These impactful skills development of industrial training students would prepare men, women and youth entrepreneurially.