The Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CCSA), Cosmopolitan University Abuja, has commenced discussions with the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa (FCHDK), Gombe State, towards establishing a strategic partnership to advance climate-smart agriculture, digital agricultural innovation, research, capacity development, and sustainable agricultural practices.

The engagement took place during a courtesy visit by a delegation of CCSA officers from Cosmopolitan University Abuja to the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa. The visit provided an opportunity for both institutions to explore areas of collaboration that can strengthen agricultural education, promote technological innovation, and contribute to the development of climate-resilient agricultural systems.

Proposed Six-Month Climate-Smart Agriculture Internship Programme

A major component of the proposed collaboration is the establishment of a six-month Climate-Smart Agriculture Internship Programme, which is expected to engage more than 2,000 students in agricultural data collection, field research, digital agriculture, and ICT-driven agricultural activities.

The proposed programme will provide participating students with practical training in climate-smart agricultural practices, digital data collection, field research, data analysis, and the application of emerging technologies to agriculture.

The initiative is also designed to generate useful agricultural data and research findings that can be communicated to farmers, policymakers, researchers, and other relevant stakeholders to support evidence-based decision-making and improve agricultural productivity.

Outstanding participants may further have the opportunity to serve as Digital Agriculture System Agents, supporting irrigation services, agricultural extension activities, digital agricultural systems, and improved market access for farming communities.

Promoting Technology and Innovation in Agriculture

Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Badaru Yahaya Usman, Team Lead of the Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture, Cosmopolitan University Abuja, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to promoting innovative and technology-driven approaches to agricultural development.

Dr. Badaru explained that the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, was considered a strategic partner because of its location, existing facilities, agricultural focus, and capacity to support impactful programmes in agriculture and climate-related development.

He further disclosed that the first cohort of interns is expected to benefit from starter packs and scholarship opportunities to support their participation and continued development.

According to Dr. Badaru, the future of agriculture requires greater integration of technology, research, innovation, and reliable data.

«“There are already many universities of agriculture across the country; however, there is an urgent need to modernise agricultural education through emerging technologies and digital innovation.”»

He also highlighted the increasing use of satellite-based technologies in agriculture, noting their potential to complement conventional methods of agricultural data collection and soil assessment by providing faster and more precise information for planning and decision-making.

Strengthening Institutional and Community Partnerships

The proposed collaboration is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange among Cosmopolitan University Abuja, the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, and the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority.

The partnership will also contribute to the broader vision of the Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture to serve as a hub for research, innovation, training, and capacity development in climate-smart and digital agriculture.

Beyond institutional collaboration, the initiative is expected to create opportunities for local farmers to gain access to innovative farming practices, digital agricultural tools, research-based knowledge, and specialised training aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, and resilience to climate-related challenges.

The CCSA delegation from Cosmopolitan University Abuja was led by Dr. Badaru Yahaya Usman, Team Lead, Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture, and included members of the CCSA team who travelled from Abuja for the institutional engagement.

The delegation also included Dr. Abubakar Mohammed Sani, Area Manager of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (Sarkin Shanu Yamaltu), and Alhaji Idris Isah, Hakimin Hinna (Gurkuman Yamaltu).

Federal College of Horticulture Expresses Support

Receiving the delegation, the Acting Provost of the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, Dr. Umar A. Umar, commended Cosmopolitan University Abuja and the Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture for the initiative and expressed the College’s readiness to support the proposed partnership.

Dr. Umar noted that the College has established partnerships with several agro-based organisations, with such collaborations contributing positively to the institution and its host community.

“It is of little value to have an institution situated within a community if the people do not directly benefit from its presence.”

The Deputy Provost, Dr. Isiaka Ibrahim, also appreciated the role of traditional leaders in mobilising local farmers to participate in the proposed programme. He described their involvement as an important demonstration of community participation and commitment to agricultural development.

Towards a Climate-Resilient Agricultural Future

The proposed partnership represents an important step towards strengthening collaboration between academic institutions, agricultural organisations, government agencies, traditional institutions, farmers, and other stakeholders.

By integrating climate-smart agriculture, digital technology, agricultural research, data analytics, and practical field experience, the initiative seeks to equip students and farming communities with the knowledge and skills required to respond effectively to emerging challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The collaboration further demonstrates the commitment of the Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture, Cosmopolitan University Abuja, to advancing research, innovation, youth capacity development, food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural transformation.

Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CCSA)
Cosmopolitan University Abuja