A Partnership between Cosmopolitan University Abuja Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CUA-CCSA), Tamallan Foundation, Iya Foundation, Mariya Foundation, Audu Bako College of Agriculture and Danbatta-Makoda Microfinance Bank Ltd.

1. Background

Agriculture remains a key pillar of food security, livelihoods and economic development, especially in regions vulnerable to climate change. To ensure sustainability and resilience, it is imperative to embrace digital and climate-smart innovations. In this light, the Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CCSA) at Cosmopolitan University, in collaboration with Tamallan Foundation, Iya Foundation and Mariya Foundation, proposes a transformative Certificate Programme in Digital and Climate-Smart Agriculture. This initiative aims to produce a new generation of agripreneurs equipped with cutting-edge skills, practical farming experience and a strong entrepreneurial foundation to lead climate-smart agricultural transformation.

2. Programme Objectives

• Equip participants with practical skills in precision and climate-smart agriculture.
• Introduce and apply emerging technologies (AI, Cloud Computing, Big Data, Blockchain) in agriculture.
• Develop competencies in geographic information systems, remote Sensing, soil chemistry, moisture retention and carbon and nitrogen management.
• Provide practical, hands-on farm experience through concurrent learning and farming practice.
• Facilitate access to production infrastructure and finance for scalable agricultural enterprise development.

3. Programme Structure

The programme will span 12 months, structured in two phases:

Phase 1: Preparation and Mind Change/Reset (1 month) | 1 to 30 August

• Intensive, blended learning model with a focus on both theory and hands-on practice on the following topics.
  • Basic Science
  • Basic Agriculture
  • Sustainable Development Goals
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management

Phase 2: Training (3 months) | 1st September to 30 November

• Intensive physical training (Lectures, Seminars, Hackathon)
• Participants begin farm practice simultaneously with an intensive physical training.
• Core topics:
  • Foundation
    • Productivity and Workspace tools (Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Presentation, Graphics, Internet, etc)
    • Design Thinking
    • Literature Review
  • Introduction to Climate-Smart Agriculture
  • Precision Agriculture and Emerging Technologies
    • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
    • Cloud Computing in Agriculture
    • Big Data and Analytics for Farming
    • Blockchain for Supply Chain and Traceability
    • IoT, Robotics and Farm Process Automation
  • Soil Chemistry and Moisture Management
  • Carbon and Nitrogen Cycle Management

Phase 3: Paid Internship and Extended Practical Farming (8 months) | 1st December to 31st July 2025

• Participants transition to full-scale farming using the knowledge acquired.
• Training continues online with fortnightly 6-hour in-person seminars for knowledge reinforcement and mentorship.
• Support provided:
  • Students will be grouped into clusters to commence farming during wet and dry seasons.
  • Access to greenhouses, irrigation systems, certified seeds and basic inputs.

4. Post-Training Support

• Access to Capital: Upon successful completion, each participant will be eligible for a loan to scale their farming enterprise.
• Monitoring & Mentorship: Continuous technical support and monitoring to ensure adherence to best practices and business growth.
• Entrepreneurship Focus: Participants are expected to commence as growth-oriented, mid-scale agripreneurs rather than subsistence or smallholder farmers.

5. Target Participants

• Young graduates (NCE, ND, B.Sc., etc.), agricultural extension officers and aspiring agripreneurs with a passion for modern and sustainable farming.
• Selection will prioritise candidates with demonstrable commitment to farming and community impact.

6. Expected Outcomes

• At least 300 trained agripreneurs are annually equipped with both digital and practical agriculture expertise.
• Establishment of climate-resilient agricultural clusters.
• Improved agricultural productivity and sustainability across partner communities.
• Strengthened ecosystem for digital agriculture and agri-financing.

7. Partnership Roles

• Cosmopolitan University (CCSA): Lead curriculum development, training delivery, certification and academic oversight.
• Tamallan, Iya and Mariya Foundations
  • Co-funding support, participant selection, field logistics and community mobilisation.
  • Implementation partner for farm input provision, internship coordination and post-training loan administration.