AATF Trains Nigerian Extension Workers, Others on Responsible Deployment of Agric Biotechnology

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has intensified efforts to strengthen the sustainability and responsible deployment of agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria by training extension officers and stakeholders on stewardship practices and effective data collection for TELA maize.
The training brought together extension professionals from across the country, reinforcing their role as the bridge between agricultural innovation and smallholder farmers.
Speaking at the workshop, AATF Senior Manager for Program Development and Commercialisation, Dr. Roy Mugiira, described stewardship as a critical responsibility rather than a mere technical process. He urged participants to see themselves as custodians of innovation, stressing that the long-term success of TELA maize depends on proper management and grassroots engagement.
“Farmers must remain at the center of everything we do,” he said, calling stewardship “a way of life” necessary for preventing technology failure and ensuring sustainable impact.
Executive Director of the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Prof. Ado Yusuf, warned that even the best technologies become ineffective if they fail to reach farmers. He advocated for a nationwide cascade training system to rapidly scale knowledge across the six geopolitical zones.
Also speaking, AATF Global Lead on the TELA Maize Project, Dr. Sanni Kayode, emphasized the importance of collaboration among developers, regulators, seed companies, and extension officers to drive responsible adoption of the technology.
Providing technical insight, Dr. Sylvester Oikeh traced the development and regulatory approval process of TELA maize, while dispelling misconceptions surrounding genetically modified crops and urging participants to rely on scientific evidence.
On commercialization efforts, AATF Seed Systems Manager, Dr. Munyaradzi Jonga, disclosed that TELA maize continues to show strong field performance despite public controversies, with strategic partnerships helping to scale seed production and improve farmer access.
AATF Stewardship Officer, Dr. Benard Ehirim, further highlighted practical stewardship measures, including refuge strategies designed to prevent pest resistance, stressing that extension agents remain central to combating misinformation and ensuring compliance with best practices.