Leventis Foundation Nigeria

The Leventis Foundation Nigeria was established in 1988 to take over and expand the work the "Nigeria Advisory Panel" of the A. G. Leventis Foundation (https://.leventisfoundation.org), which had been active since 1979. In support of the Federal Government's new Educational Programme with its emphasis on self-sufficiency in food production, the Foundation took a major policy decision in 1986 by choosing as its main goal the training of young farmers in modern agricultural methods. To date nine schools have been established in Nigeria and Ghana specializing in innovative ways of training small scale farmers to improve productivity, efficiency and environmental sensitivity, taking advantage of the latest research. The trainees spend a year at the schools and then, returning to their farms and communities, are advised and supported by the schools' extension programmes. The Foundation is also a prime mover in the preservation of natural resources in co-operation with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. Mission is to train youths: In more efficient farm management, including the maintenance and repair of simple agricultural tools and equipment In improving soil fertility on a sustainable basis and adopting appropriate high-yielding crop varieties and efficient livestock production practices; In valid alternatives to the current practice of shifting cultivation, and in making the permanent cultivation of farmland possible by the adoption of proper crop-rotation, agro-forestry and modern tillage practices; In healthy nutrition practices, value adding processing of major food commodities, family planning, first aid techniques, and handling of textiles; In post-harvest handling, storage, processing and marketing; To appreciate civic responsibilities, good governance and democracy. Vision is to: To attract youths into agriculture as well as train and support them to adopt improved, eco-friendly farming practices, and technology aimed at reducing drudgery.