The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) recently concluded a two-day capacity-building and linkage workshop for 30 Technical Service Providers (TSPs) from across the region. This workshop is a crucial step in enhancing cross-sectoral advisory and technical support for farmers and MSMEs across various agricultural commodity sectors.
From Isolated Interventions to Systemic Expansion of Services
Representing PIND, Senior Market Systems Advisor Tuoyo Omagbitse Blessing spoke to workshop participants about the vital role of Technical Service Providers in bridging service gaps across the Niger Delta’s agricultural sector. He encouraged them to see themselves not just as trainers in the field, but as key players in the market system — driving farmer resilience, fostering long-term transformation, and advancing PIND’s mission of inclusive economic development.
Participants received a comprehensive orientation on PIND’s Service Provider Model, delivered by technical leads under the Access to Technical and Business Development Services thematic area. The session clarified expectations around service delivery, market facilitation, and the broader contributions TSPs are expected to make within agricultural ecosystems.
Building Competence Across Multiple Commodities
The two-day workshop strengthened connections among TSPs, input firms, and master trainers, ensuring providers are both technically skilled and commercially equipped to sustainably support farmers. Unlike earlier sector-specific efforts, this training covered a broader range of commodities, giving participants advanced insights into vegetables, maize, root and tuber crops, cocoa, oil palm, and greenhouse vegetable production.
Experts from NIHORT, SARO AgroSciences, and Dr. Fish Agro Consult led technical sessions on topics including climate-smart agriculture, best agronomic practices, input selection and handling, soil and nutrient management, integrated pest and disease control, post-harvest handling, and greenhouse establishment and maintenance.
Key Outcomes
With their enhanced technical and advisory skills, the newly trained TSPs are expected to support farmers by:
- Boosting productivity through the adoption of improved agronomic practices and appropriate technologies
- Reducing post-harvest losses through better handling, storage, and processing techniques
- Improving climate resilience by integrating climate-smart and adaptive farming strategies
- Strengthening access to quality inputs through reliable linkages with agro-dealers and seed enterprises
- Expanding market opportunities by connecting producers with buyers and supporting compliance with market standards
Establishing the foundation for expanding agricultural influence
To date, 24 Technical Service Providers (TSPs) trained earlier this year are actively delivering cross-sector support. With 30 new participants joining the network, PIND is on track to build a team of over 50 operational TSPs, collectively aiming to reach 25,000 farmers across the Niger Delta.
By the end of the workshop, participants were more confident in driving change—ready to support farmers, foster innovation, and promote sustainable, inclusive growth. Equipped with strengthened skills, partnerships, and a shared commitment, these TSPs are leading agricultural transformation and advancing PIND’s vision of a peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta.
