Facilitation of strengthening of network of youths in selected rice clusters in Benue State on Spraying Service Provision by Universal Treasure Mines (UTM). UTM got CIA-GED involved with the sub-grant support of IFDC-2SCALE Project in Nigeria. The highlights of the training include introduction to pest and pesticides, safe use of pesticides, how to manage contact with pesticides and first aid in case of accidental exposure to pesticide poisoning. The training served to educate the youths, empower them and make them meaningfully engaged as Spray Service Providers (SSP) for the women and aged who need these services. Due to reproductive related issues and old age, many farmers especially, women are not able to handle spraying their farms, smart inclusion of youths as SSP becomes an opportunity for youths to increase their income in the rural areas involved in Benue State and also to reduce bottlenecks faced by women and the aged involved in agriculture in Benue State, Nigeria.

Special thanks to IFDC 2SCALE project for initiating and financing this activity. The funding covers all the youths being given Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and spraying pumps as donation (with little contribution from them). Dr. Olaniyi Johnson and Mr. Timothy Azakere were the facilitators during the programme.
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