Report | Capacity Building Workshop on Climate Adaptation for Tomato Value Chain Actors in North-West Nigeria
Updated: 1 day ago
Capacity Building Workshop on Climate Adaptation for Tomato Value Chain Actors in North-West Nigeria
Partners: FAR-Leaf II/NSPRI/NAERLS/NIFAAS
Venue: Multipurpose Hall, National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
Date: 30 June 2026
Convener: Dr Ololade Latifat Abdurrahman
Rapporteur: Khalid Tijjani Khalid/Fatima Zahra Jimada
TABLE OF CONTENTS | |
01 Executive Summary | 10 Technical Session I |
02 Background | 11 Technical Session II |
03 Workshop Objectives | 12 Technical Session III |
04 Workshop Overview | 13 Discussions and Participants' Feedback |
05 Programme of Events | 14 Presentation of Incentives |
06 Arrival and Registration | 15 Closing Ceremony |
07 Opening Ceremony | 16 Key Outcomes of the Workshop |
08 Opening Remarks by the Convener | 17 Recommendations |
09 Special Remarks and Goodwill Messages | 18 Conclusion |
01 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Capacity Building Workshop on Climate Adaptation for Tomato Value Chain Actors in North-West Nigeria was held on 30 June 2026 at the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The workshop was organised as part of a broader research initiative on the Climate Vulnerability and Adaptive Capacity of Tomato Value Chain Actors under the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship, implemented by Dr Ololade Latifat Abdurrahman, with support from Dr Issa FO and Sagay SA.
The workshop was designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and adaptive capacity of tomato value chain actors to respond to the increasing impacts of climate change on tomato production, marketing, transportation, processing, and consumption. It also provided a platform for researchers, farmers, extension personnel, development partners, private-sector organisations, processors, marketers, and policymakers to interact, exchange experiences, and identify practical strategies for improving resilience across the tomato value chain.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by the workshop convener, the representative of the Executive Director of NAERLS, and goodwill messages from distinguished guests drawn from academia, research institutions, government agencies, and the private sector. The speakers emphasised the importance of climate-smart agriculture, collaborative action, innovation, and capacity development in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria's tomato industry.
Three technical sessions were delivered by experts from NAERLS/NIFAAS and the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI). These sessions covered climate-smart tomato production, resilient marketing and transportation systems, and climate adaptation in tomato processing and consumption. Participants actively engaged during the discussions, sharing field experiences and identifying practical solutions to production constraints, post-harvest losses, market challenges, and climate-related risks.
The workshop concluded with the presentation of incentive packages, including improved tomato seeds and plastic harvesting crates, to encourage participants to adopt climate-smart technologies and improved post-harvest handling practices. Overall, the workshop successfully enhanced participants' understanding of climate adaptation strategies and strengthened collaboration among key actors in the tomato value chain.
02 BACKGROUND
Tomatoes are one of the most important vegetable crops cultivated and consumed in Nigeria. It contributes significantly to household nutrition, employment generation, income creation, agro-industrial development, and national food security. Thousands of smallholder farmers across Northern Nigeria depend on tomato cultivation as a major source of livelihood.
Despite its importance, the tomato subsector continues to experience enormous production and marketing challenges. Climate change has intensified these challenges through increasing temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, flooding, emerging pests and diseases, and declining soil fertility. These climatic stresses have reduced productivity, increased production costs, and exposed farmers to greater risks and uncertainty.
In addition to production challenges, Nigeria continues to experience significant post-harvest losses in tomatoes due to poor harvesting techniques, inadequate storage facilities, inappropriate packaging materials, poor transportation systems, weak market linkages, and limited processing capacity. Estimates indicate that between 40% and 50% of tomatoes produced annually are lost before reaching consumers, representing enormous economic losses for producers, marketers, processors, and the national economy.
Building resilience within the tomato value chain, therefore, requires coordinated interventions that combine improved production practices, climate-smart technologies, efficient post-harvest management, market innovations, value addition, and strong institutional collaboration. Capacity development remains one of the most effective approaches for empowering farmers and other value chain actors with the knowledge and skills required to adapt successfully to climate variability and sustain agricultural productivity.
It was against this background that the Capacity Building Workshop on Climate Adaptation for Tomato Value Chain Actors in North-West Nigeria was organised. The workshop formed part of the broader research activities of Dr Ololade Latifat Abdurrahman under the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship. The programme sought to bridge existing knowledge gaps by exposing participants to practical climate adaptation strategies, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches to strengthen resilience throughout the tomato value chain.
03 WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
The overall objective of the workshop was to strengthen the capacity of tomato value chain actors to adapt to climate change while improving productivity, profitability, and sustainability within the tomato industry.
The specific objectives were to:
enhance participants' understanding of climate change and its implications for tomato production and marketing;
promote the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies and resilient farming practices;
improve knowledge of post-harvest handling, storage, transportation, and value addition;
expose participants to innovative processing technologies for reducing food losses and improving food safety;
strengthen collaboration among farmers, researchers, extension personnel, processors, marketers, policymakers, and private-sector organisations;
encourage participants to develop practical adaptation strategies that can be implemented within their respective communities; and
contribute to the development of resilient and sustainable tomato value chains in North-West Nigeria.
04 WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders involved in different segments of the tomato value chain. Participants included tomato farmers, marketers, processors, extension agents, researchers, university staff, students, government officials, representatives of development organisations, private-sector companies, and agricultural service providers. The programme combined expert presentations, practical discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and experience sharing. This participatory approach enabled participants to contribute their experiences while learning from experts and fellow stakeholders. The workshop also provided an important networking opportunity through which participants established professional relationships that could facilitate future collaboration in research, extension, technology dissemination, agribusiness development, and policy engagement.
05 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
The workshop commenced with participant registration, followed by the opening ceremony, which included introductions of dignitaries, the presentation of the Research Fellow, opening remarks, special remarks, and goodwill messages. A group photograph was taken before participants proceeded on a short tea break.
The technical component of the programme consisted of three expert-led sessions covering climate-smart tomato production, climate-smart marketing and transportation, and climate adaptation in tomato processing and consumption. Each presentation was followed by interactive discussions that enabled participants to seek clarification, share experiences, and make recommendations. The workshop concluded with the presentation of incentive packages to participants, closing remarks, and networking among stakeholders.
06 ARRIVAL AND REGISTRATION
Registration commenced at approximately 9:00 a.m. and continued until 11:00 a.m. Participants arrived from different locations across North-West Nigeria and were received by members of the organising committee. The registration process was orderly and provided participants with workshop materials while also creating opportunities for networking before the commencement of the formal programme. Farmers, extension personnel, researchers, representatives of agricultural institutions, private-sector organisations, and development partners exchanged ideas regarding the challenges and opportunities within the tomato value chain. The atmosphere before the workshop reflected participants' enthusiasm and expectations, underscoring the training's relevance to the prevailing challenges facing tomato production and marketing in Nigeria.
07 OPENING CEREMONY
The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer led by the Master of Ceremonies, Dr Issa FO, who invited participants to pray in accordance with their respective faiths. This was followed by the introduction of members of the high table, invited dignitaries, resource persons, collaborating institutions, and representatives of partner organisations.
The Master of the Ceremony then formally presented the workshop convener and Research Fellow, Dr Ololade Latifat Abdurrahman, providing an overview of her academic and professional achievements. He highlighted her outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and community engagement since joining academia in 2013. He noted that she obtained her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Agricultural Extension as the Best Graduating Student and has since established herself as an accomplished researcher in climate-smart agriculture, agricultural extension, rural development, and food systems.
He further highlighted her recognition as a recipient of prestigious research and leadership awards, including the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship, which funded the present project. Her extensive publication record, active mentorship of students and young researchers, and commitment to community-based agricultural development were acknowledged as evidence of her dedication to improving agricultural livelihoods and strengthening climate resilience among farming communities.
The Research Fellow's presentation set the stage for the workshop's formal commencement and underscored the significance of the research project within the broader context of climate adaptation, agricultural transformation, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
08 OPENING REMARKS BY THE CONVENER
The Convener of the workshop and Future Africa Research Leadership Fellow, Dr. Ololade Latifat Abdurrahman, warmly welcomed all participants and expressed her sincere appreciation to the Executive Director and Management of the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, collaborating institutions, development partners, invited dignitaries, resource persons, extension personnel, private-sector representatives, farmers, processors, marketers, and all stakeholders who honoured the invitation to participate in the capacity-building programme. She explained that the workshop was organised as part of her ongoing research project on the Climate Vulnerability and Adaptive Capacity of Tomato Value Chain Actors in North-West Nigeria, which aims to generate evidence-based solutions to improve resilience within the tomato value chain. According to her, climate change has become one of the most significant threats to agricultural production in Nigeria, particularly for highly perishable commodities such as tomatoes.
Dr Abdurrahman observed that tomato farmers continue to face numerous production constraints arising from erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, increasing temperatures, pest infestations, emerging diseases, soil degradation, and rising production costs. These challenges are compounded by inadequate storage facilities, poor transportation systems, weak market linkages, and limited processing capacity, all of which contribute significantly to post-harvest losses and reduced profitability. She noted that while several technologies capable of addressing these challenges already exist, many farmers and other value chain actors have limited access to the technical knowledge required to adopt and effectively utilise them. Consequently, strengthening stakeholders' capacity through continuous education, training, and extension services remains critical to improving productivity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
The Convener emphasised that the workshop was designed not merely as a platform for delivering lectures but as an interactive learning process in which participants would exchange experiences, identify practical challenges, and collectively develop solutions that could be implemented in their respective communities. She further explained that climate adaptation is a continuous process requiring innovation, collaboration, institutional support, and knowledge sharing. She therefore encouraged participants to actively engage during the technical sessions by asking questions, sharing their experiences, and interacting freely with the facilitators.
Dr Abdurrahman concluded her remarks by expressing optimism that the knowledge acquired during the workshop would enable participants to improve tomato production, reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen market access, increase household incomes, and contribute to sustainable food systems in North-West Nigeria.
09 SPECIAL REMARKS
Special remarks were delivered on behalf of the Executive Director of the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) by Engr. AA Fagge.
He welcomed participants to NAERLS and commended the Convener for initiating a research project that addresses one of the most pressing challenges confronting Nigeria's agricultural sector. According to him, tomatoes remain one of the country's most economically important horticultural crops, providing employment and income to thousands of farming households. However, despite Nigeria's position as one of the leading tomato-producing countries globally and the second largest producer in Africa, enormous quantities of tomatoes are lost annually before reaching consumers. He explained that available statistics indicate that between 40% and 50% of tomatoes harvested each year are lost due to poor harvesting methods, inadequate storage facilities, poor transportation infrastructure, and inefficient marketing systems. These losses translate into billions of naira in economic losses annually and significantly reduce the incomes of farmers and marketers.
Engr. Fagge emphasised that research institutions such as NAERLS have a critical responsibility to ensure that improved agricultural technologies are effectively transferred to farmers through extension services and capacity-building programmes.
He therefore encouraged participants to pay close attention throughout the training, noting that every session had been carefully designed to provide practical knowledge to improve productivity, reduce losses, and strengthen resilience within the tomato value chain. He reaffirmed NAERLS' commitment to supporting initiatives that promote climate-smart agriculture, agricultural innovation, technology dissemination, and sustainable rural development.
10 GOODWILL MESSAGES
10.1 Goodwill Message by Prof Hauwa Muhammad Sani
Prof Hauwa Muhammad Sani congratulated the Convener for successfully organising the workshop and acknowledged the support provided through the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship. She described the workshop as timely and highly relevant, considering the increasing threats posed by climate change to agricultural production across Nigeria. According to her, the ultimate objective of agricultural research should be to improve the livelihoods of farming households through practical innovations that address the real challenges farmers face. She commended Dr Abdurrahman for bringing the research findings closer to farmers and extension personnel through a practical capacity-building programme rather than limiting the project to academic publications. She encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the workshop and to ensure that the knowledge acquired would be shared with other farmers in their communities.
10.2 Goodwill Message by Prof IY Ilu
The former Executive Director of NAERLS, Prof IY Ilu, highlighted the importance of adopting a comprehensive value chain approach to address agricultural development challenges. He explained that an efficient tomato value chain extends beyond production to include input suppliers, transporters, processors, marketers, consumers, financial institutions, extension agencies, research organisations, and policymakers. According to him, improving only one component of the value chain cannot produce sustainable results unless all actors perform their complementary roles effectively. He further emphasised that supportive government policies, institutional collaboration, and private-sector investment remain essential to strengthening agricultural value chains and improving food security. He encouraged participants to continue building partnerships after the workshop and to actively participate in future extension programmes aimed at improving agricultural productivity.
10.3 Goodwill Message by Golden Fertilizer Company
Representing Golden Fertilizer Company, Mr Joseph explained the organisation's commitment to supporting smallholder farmers by providing quality agricultural inputs. He emphasised that access to quality fertiliser, improved seeds, and appropriate soil fertility management practices remains fundamental to increasing tomato productivity under changing climatic conditions. He assured participants that private-sector organisations remain willing to collaborate with researchers, extension agencies, and farmers in promoting sustainable agricultural development.
10.4 Goodwill Message by Dr Jamile Rabe
Dr Jamile Rabe emphasised the importance of climate adaptation throughout the tomato value chain. She explained that climate change affects not only crop production but also transportation, storage, processing, marketing, food quality, and consumer access. She therefore stressed the need for integrated adaptation strategies that involve all stakeholders across the value chain. She encouraged participants to embrace innovation, strengthen collaboration, and remain open to new technologies that can reduce production risks and improve agricultural sustainability.
11 TECHNICAL SESSION I
Climate-Smart Tomato Production: Integrating Quality Agricultural Inputs and Resilient Farming Practices for Sustainable Tomato Production
Facilitator: Mahmud Abdulshakur (NIFAAS/NAERLS)
The first technical session focused on climate-smart agricultural practices that can improve tomato productivity while strengthening farmers' resilience to climate variability and environmental stresses. The facilitator began by explaining the concept of climate-smart agriculture as an integrated approach aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, improving resilience to climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions where possible, and ensuring long-term sustainability. He observed that climate change has altered rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, prolonged dry seasons, and intensified pest and disease outbreaks, thereby increasing production risks for tomato farmers. To address these challenges, participants were introduced to several practical adaptation strategies.
Farmer Organisations and Collective Action: The facilitator emphasised the importance of farmer cooperatives in improving access to quality inputs, extension services, agricultural credit, market information, and government support programmes. He explained that farmers who operate collectively are generally better positioned to negotiate favourable prices, access modern technologies, and reduce production costs through bulk purchases.
Crop Diversification: Participants were encouraged to diversify their farming enterprises in order to spread production risks associated with climate variability. Diversification, according to the facilitator, enables farming households to maintain income even when one enterprise is adversely affected by weather.
Farm Business Planning: The presentation highlighted the importance of preparing farm business plans before each production season. Participants were introduced to the basic principles of enterprise budgeting, record-keeping, financial planning, and cash flow management as essential tools for improving farm profitability.
Climate Information Services: The facilitator encouraged farmers to make effective use of weather forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) when making decisions on planting, irrigation, fertiliser application, and harvesting. He explained that timely weather information enables farmers to reduce production risks associated with unexpected rainfall and extreme weather events.
Climate-Smart Technologies: Participants were introduced to several climate-smart technologies, including:
Solar-powered irrigation pumps.
Solar-powered cold rooms.
Water-saving irrigation techniques.
Improved tomato varieties.
Integrated pest management.
Efficient fertiliser application methods.
Soil conservation practices.
The facilitator demonstrated how these technologies contribute to improved productivity while reducing vulnerability to climate change.
Pest and Disease Management: Special attention was given to identifying and managing major tomato pests and diseases. Participants were advised to adopt integrated pest management practices that combine resistant varieties, field sanitation, biological control, appropriate pesticide use, and regular farm monitoring.
Interactive Discussion: The presentation generated extensive discussion among participants. One farmer described a major production challenge locally referred to as "Sharon," explaining that although farmers sometimes harvest up to 10 crates of tomatoes, only one crate eventually reaches the market due to severe spoilage and disease. Another participant suggested that the choice of tomato variety significantly influences disease occurrence and production performance. Responding to these observations, Prof Adamu Yakubu explained that successful disease management begins at the nursery stage. He advised farmers to ensure proper nursery sanitation, use healthy seedlings, treat nursery soils appropriately, and avoid transplanting infected seedlings into production fields. He further emphasised that prevention remains more effective and less costly than treating diseases after they have become established in the field.
Participants expressed appreciation for the practical recommendations provided and requested additional field demonstrations during future training programmes.
12 TECHNICAL SESSION II
Climate-Smart Tomato Marketing and Transportation: Reducing Post-Harvest Losses and Building Resilient Market Systems
Facilitator: Mr Yahaya Kayode (NIFAAS/NAERLS)
The second technical session focused on strengthening climate-resilient tomato marketing and transportation systems with emphasis on reducing post-harvest losses and improving market efficiency. The facilitator observed that while considerable attention is often given to increasing tomato production, relatively less emphasis is placed on post-harvest handling, transportation, and market access. Consequently, a substantial proportion of the tomatoes produced in Nigeria is lost before reaching consumers. He explained that an efficient marketing system is a critical component of a sustainable tomato value chain because it determines farmers' profitability, market competitiveness, and food availability. However, climate change has introduced additional challenges, including extreme temperatures, erratic rainfall, flooding, drought, dust storms, and Harmattan conditions, all of which contribute to the rapid deterioration of harvested tomatoes during transportation and storage. The facilitator highlighted the importance of integrating climate-smart practices into post-harvest management and marketing to minimise losses and improve returns to farmers.
The following key areas were covered during the presentation:
Importance of the Tomato Value Chain: Participants were reminded that the tomato value chain comprises several interdependent actors, including producers, input suppliers, transporters, processors, wholesalers, retailers, consumers, financial institutions, extension organisations, and policymakers. Weaknesses in any component of the chain ultimately affect the performance of the entire system.
Access to Agricultural Information: The facilitator noted that fewer than 20% of Nigerian farmers receive timely agricultural information. Limited access to extension services, market intelligence, and weather forecasts often results in poor production and marketing decisions. Participants were encouraged to utilise extension services, farmer associations, digital advisory platforms, and meteorological information to improve decision-making throughout the production and marketing process.
Climate Risks Affecting Tomato Marketing: The presentation identified several climate-related factors contributing to post-harvest losses, including:
High ambient temperatures;
Erratic rainfall patterns;
Flooding and waterlogging;
Drought;
Dust storms;
Harmattan conditions;
Increased pest and disease incidence;
Poor road infrastructure aggravated by extreme weather.
These conditions reduce tomato quality, shorten shelf life, and increase transportation costs.
Market Information Systems: Participants were introduced to the concept of market information systems and their importance in improving marketing decisions. Reliable information on market prices, demand, supply, transportation costs, and consumer preferences enables farmers to determine the most profitable markets for their produce and avoid unnecessary losses arising from market gluts.
Digital Marketing Technologies: The facilitator encouraged participants to embrace digital technologies for agricultural marketing. Mobile phones, online trading platforms, social media, and electronic payment systems were identified as useful tools for expanding market opportunities and facilitating direct interaction between producers and buyers. Digital platforms were also presented as effective channels for obtaining weather forecasts, market prices, and extension information.
Climate-Smart Transportation: Special emphasis was placed on improving transportation systems through:
Appropriate packaging techniques;
Use of plastic harvesting crates instead of woven baskets;
Proper loading and stacking methods;
Improved vehicle ventilation;
Transportation during cooler periods of the day, where feasible;
Route planning using weather forecasts and road condition information.
The facilitator explained that adopting these simple measures could significantly reduce mechanical damage, bruising, spoilage, and financial losses during transportation.
Building Climate-Resilient Market Systems: Participants were encouraged to strengthen collaboration among farmers, marketers, transporters, processors, and extension personnel to improve coordination across the value chain. The facilitator also presented the "Top Ten Climate-Smart Practices" for tomato marketing, emphasising continuous learning, innovation, and adaptation as essential components of resilient market systems.
Interactive Discussion: The session generated active participation from farmers and other stakeholders. Mrs Ramatu Zailani observed that many smallholder farmers learn more effectively through practical demonstrations than classroom presentations. She therefore appealed for the establishment of demonstration farms and practical field schools within farming communities to facilitate the adoption of climate-smart technologies. Other participants expressed concerns regarding fluctuating market prices, transportation costs, and inadequate storage facilities. In response, the facilitator emphasised the importance of farmer cooperatives, improved market information systems, collective marketing, and stronger collaboration with extension agencies in addressing these constraints.
Participants appreciated the practical recommendations and requested continuous training programmes to strengthen their marketing skills.
13 TECHNICAL SESSION III
Climate Shock Adaptation in Tomato Processing and Consumption: Building Resilient Food Systems and Reducing Food Losses
Facilitator: Dr Ajani Alice (Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute – NSPRI)
The third technical session focused on strengthening resilience in tomato processing, preservation, and consumption through improved technologies that reduce food losses and enhance food security. Dr Ajani explained that climate change affects not only crop production but also post-harvest handling, processing, storage, distribution, and food quality. Increasing temperatures and poor handling practices accelerate tomato deterioration, thereby increasing food waste and reducing farmers' incomes. She stressed that improved processing technologies offer opportunities to extend shelf life, add value to tomato products, increase household income, and improve year-round food availability.
Major Topics Covered: The facilitator discussed several important areas, including:
Climate shocks affecting tomato production and processing;
Adaptation strategies for processing industries;
Improved post-harvest handling techniques;
Climate-smart drying technologies;
Advantages of plastic harvesting crates over traditional woven baskets;
Tomato processing methods;
Production of tomato paste, puree, and ketchup;
Food safety during processing;
Reduction of food losses and waste;
Climate-resilient food systems;
Introduction to the NSPRI Parabolic Solar Dryer.
Dr Ajani demonstrated how improved drying technologies can preserve tomatoes during glut periods, thereby reducing spoilage and creating additional income opportunities for farmers and processors. She explained that the NSPRI Parabolic Solar Dryer provides a hygienic, efficient, and environmentally friendly method for drying tomatoes and other agricultural products while protecting them from contamination by dust, insects, rainfall, and animals. The facilitator further emphasised the importance of maintaining hygiene throughout harvesting, transportation, processing, packaging, and storage to ensure consumer safety and improve product quality.
Questions and Responses: Participants showed considerable interest in the processing technologies presented. One participant requested further clarification on the use of screen-house drying technologies and their affordability for smallholder farmers. In response, the facilitator explained that several drying technologies are available depending on farmers' financial capacity and production scale. She encouraged participants to contact NSPRI for technical guidance and support regarding appropriate technologies. Another participant sought clarification on how the Parabolic Solar Dryer operates. The facilitator provided a detailed explanation of the drying process, illustrating how solar energy is utilised to generate heat that removes moisture from tomatoes under controlled conditions. She also noted that the technology can be used for drying pepper, vegetables, fruits, fish, grains, and several other agricultural commodities. Participants commended the practical nature of the presentation and expressed interest in future demonstrations on tomato processing technologies.
14 PRESENTATION OF INCENTIVES
Following the technical sessions, participants were presented with incentive packages consisting of improved tomato seed and plastic tomato harvesting crates.
The presentation was carried out by members of the high table and representatives of collaborating institutions. The incentive packages were intended to encourage participants to adopt improved production practices, promote better post-harvest handling, and facilitate the practical application of knowledge acquired during the workshop. Participants expressed appreciation to the organisers for providing practical materials that would support the implementation of climate-smart technologies at the farm level.
15 CLOSING CEREMONY
In her closing remarks, Dr Ololade Latifat Abdurrahman expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Director and Management of NAERLS for providing an enabling environment for the successful conduct of the workshop. She also thanked the resource persons, collaborating institutions, extension personnel from Kaduna and Kano States, private-sector organisations, development partners, and all participants for their commitment and active participation throughout the programme. Special appreciation was extended to Future Africa for providing the Research Leadership Fellowship, which supported the project's implementation.
She described the workshop as an important milestone in the broader research initiative on climate vulnerability and adaptive capacity within the tomato value chain. Dr Abdurrahman encouraged participants not to allow the knowledge acquired during the workshop to end with the training. Instead, she urged them to disseminate the information within their communities, support fellow farmers, strengthen professional networks, and continue adopting innovative climate-smart agricultural practices.
Representing the Executive Director of NAERLS, Engr. AA Fagge congratulated participants on successfully completing the training and reaffirmed NAERLS' commitment to continued collaboration with stakeholders in promoting climate-smart agriculture and sustainable food systems.
The workshop formally ended with networking among participants, facilitators, researchers, and representatives of partner organisations.
16 KEY OUTCOMES OF THE WORKSHOP
The workshop achieved several important outcomes, including:
Improved understanding of climate change and its effects on tomato production and marketing.
Increased awareness of climate-smart agricultural technologies suitable for tomato production.
Enhanced knowledge of improved post-harvest handling and storage practices.
Increased appreciation of climate-smart transportation systems.
Improved understanding of market information systems and digital marketing tools.
Enhanced awareness of value addition and tomato processing technologies.
Strengthened interaction among farmers, researchers, extension personnel, and private-sector organisations.
Increased commitment among participants to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices.
Strengthened collaboration among institutions involved in tomato value chain development.
17 RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on presentations, discussions, and participants' contributions, the following recommendations emerged:
1 | Similar capacity-building workshops should be organised regularly across tomato-producing communities in North-West Nigeria. |
2 | Practical demonstration plots should be established to complement classroom-based training. |
3 | Farmers should be encouraged to form and strengthen cooperative societies to improve access to inputs, credit, extension services, and markets. |
4 | Extension agencies should intensify awareness campaigns on climate-smart agricultural technologies. |
5 | The government should invest in rural infrastructure, particularly roads, storage facilities, and irrigation systems. |
6 | Farmers should adopt improved tomato varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases, and climate stresses. |
7 | Greater investment should be made in solar-powered cold storage and processing technologies to reduce post-harvest losses. |
8 | Research institutions should strengthen collaboration with extension agencies and private-sector organisations to facilitate the dissemination of technology. |
9 | Greater use of weather forecasting information and digital advisory services should be encouraged among tomato farmers. |
10 | Development partners should continue supporting climate adaptation initiatives targeting smallholder farmers and other value chain actors. |
18 CONCLUSION
The Capacity Building Workshop on Climate Adaptation for Tomato Value Chain Actors in North-West Nigeria successfully equipped participants with practical knowledge, technical skills, and innovative approaches to strengthen resilience across the tomato value chain. The workshop created an excellent platform for interaction among researchers, extension personnel, farmers, processors, marketers, private-sector organisations, and policymakers. Through expert presentations, interactive discussions, and experience sharing, participants developed a deeper understanding of climate-smart production practices, post-harvest management, transportation, processing, value addition, and market resilience.
The active participation of stakeholders throughout the workshop demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the challenges confronting Nigeria's tomato industry through collaborative action, research, innovation, and continuous capacity development. The Rapporteur therefore concludes that the workshop successfully achieved its objectives and will contribute significantly to improving productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable development of the tomato value chain in North-West Nigeria.
APPENDICES
Appendix I | Workshop Programme
(Insert approved programme of events.)
Appendix II | List of Participants
(Attach the signed attendance register.)
Appendix III | Workshop Photographs
(Insert captioned photographs showing registration, opening ceremony, technical sessions, group photograph, presentation of incentives, and closing ceremony.)
Workshop report submitted by Dr Ololade Latifat Abdurrahman
