“CD4D2 Makes it Easier to Become Involved in Sustainable Development”

Folake Idowu-Adebayo, originally from Nigeria, has been living in the Netherlands since 2017. She is a PhD candidate in Food Quality and Design at Wageningen University. For CD4D2 she did two assignments with Federal College of Horticulture (FECOHORT) in Dadinkowa, Gombe State and with Food Crops Production Technology Transfer Station (FCTTS) in Dan Hassan, Kano State.

“I could make valuable contributions to the capacity building of their staff. Personally, I found this very rewarding because their activities are aimed at conducting training in vocational skills to farmers, agri-food processors and other agro-allied groups. With their knowledge, they can improve the lives of the population. I am fortunate to be able to share my knowledge through CD4D2.

Introducing technical innovations in developing countries is not sufficient; staff need training, advice, mentoring and monitoring. Knowledge transfer by diaspora experts has an important added value. Because I grew up in Nigeria I speak the local languages. This makes it easier to introduce and clarify innovations. And that is exactly what the trainees and the host institutions want.

I feel very fortunate; the collaboration with both institutions was very positive and staff were motivated to gain knowledge. I am hugely happy with this opportunity given by the Nigerian government and IOM. CD4D being managed by IOM as an international organization makes it easier for diaspora to become involved in sustainable development. It’s an investment aimed at the longer term. The staff I trained will develop into mentors themselves. Through CD4D, IOM gives host institutions a chance to invest in their future and to encourage new generations.”