03/08/2026
IITA Trains Extension Agents in Benue on Establishment of Demonstration Plots for Climate-Smart Agriculture
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, on 30th July, 2026, carried out a training for Agricultural Extension Agents in Benue State on the establishment and management of demonstration plots to promote the adoption of good agronomic practices among farmers.
The training, held in collaboration with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes, ACReSAL Project, is aimed at building the capacity of extension workers to serve as facilitators for technology transfer at community level.
The 1-day training brought together agronomist, extension agents from Benue Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (BNARDA) and ACReSAL’s focal NGOs in Benue State. Professor. Lucky Omugui of IITA took participants through both theory and hands-on sessions covering the difference between “Mother Demos” and “Baby Demos” and how each is used for farmer learning, criteria for choosing demo sites and proper land clearing and tillage, improved planting methods, spacing, w**d and pest management, how to record field activities, monitor crop growth, and evaluate results with farmers
According to the IITA facilitator, demonstration plots are a key tool for “seeing is believing.” They allow farmers to compare new climate-smart varieties and practices side-by-side with their traditional methods. He stressed extension agents are the bridge between research and farmers. When they can properly establish and manage demos, farmers are more likely to adopt technologies that improve soil health, increase yield, and build resilience to climate change.
Participants were taken through a practical session on laying out a demonstration plot, including plot demarcation, treatment allocation, and record keeping. The trained extension agents are expected to go back to their communities and establish demonstration plots in collaboration with farmers and focal NGOs of ACReSal in the state.