Over three intensive days, the Foundation’s agronomists from across the country convened in Abuja for a hands-on technical training designed to strengthen the implementation of rice and maize multi-location trials under the Using Performance Data to Promote Better Seed Varieties in Nigeria (ProSeV) Project. Held from 8 to 10 April 2026 at the Green Agriculture West Africa Limited (GAWAL) Agricultural Technical Training Centre, Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, the training marked a critical milestone in ensuring consistency, accuracy, and scientific rigour across trial sites nationwide.
The sessions combined classroom learning with practical fieldwork, equipping participants with both the theoretical grounding and applied skills needed to execute high-quality trials. Led by the Foundation’s senior agronomists, the programme covered essential agronomic practices for rice and maize, as well as the standard operating procedures guiding multi-location trials. A key highlight was the introduction of the FSSS-implemented ProSeV Field Trial App and dashboard, which will support real-time data collection on the field, validation, and decision-making across locations.
Speaking on the significance of the training, Senior Agronomist, Dr Reuben Solomon, emphasised the practical focus of the programme:
“We’ve come here to train agronomists on field techniques and the basic agronomy of rice and maize, as well as how to establish trials and collect reliable data using modern tools. The goal is to ensure that every trial is properly laid out and managed to deliver accurate, high-quality results.”
Beyond the classroom, participants engaged directly in field demonstrations, where they practised trial layout, land measurement, plot demarcation, and crop establishment. Using the digital tools introduced, they also conducted hands-on data collection exercises, reinforcing the importance of precision and consistency in field experimentation.
For many participants, the experience was both eye-opening and empowering. Success Abutu, a Junior Agronomist, reflected on her learning journey:
“We were taught how to properly assess land, measure accurately, and mark out plots with the right spacing between blocks. I feel very happy because I’ve gained a lot of knowledge. I realised there were many things I didn’t know before, and learning from experts has been truly valuable.”
Similarly, Olusunle Juwon, a Field Coordinator, highlighted the depth and clarity of the training:
“The senior agronomists took their time to walk us through every aspect of soil mapping and field layout. I’m very happy with the training, and I look forward to returning to train others on rice and maize soil mapping and related practices.”
The training also featured contributions from Dr. Thomas Awio, a Postdoctoral Researcher in Agronomy from AfricaRice, who introduced participants to the RiceAdvice application and shared practical insights on improving rice management. His session opened up opportunities for knowledge exchange and potential collaboration in advancing rice production practices.
As the ProSeV Project progresses, this training lays a strong foundation for generating credible, location-specific performance data. By strengthening the capacity of field teams and integrating digital tools into trial implementation, the initiative is poised to support better seed selection decisions—ultimately improving productivity and resilience for farmers across Nigeria.
