The institute as a means of reaching out to stakeholders with relevant research output, disseminates such information through training programme aimed at building capacity in various aspects of horticultural value chains. Thus, Irvingia and mushroom value chains training programme targeted at unemployed youths and women was conducted in NIHORT outstation, Okigwe, Mbato, Imo state. The training was borne out of federal government initiative at reducing level of unemployment particularly among youths, while tapping into the wealth creation potential of the selected commodities. The socio-economic, cultural, and nutritional benefits of the crop cannot be over emphasized as they are of local and international relevance. Scope of the training covered production of Irvingia, integrated pest management of Irvingia and mushroom production, value addition of Irvingia and mushroom. other aspects of the training include economics of production, record keeping as well as marketing of Irvingia and mushroom for improved income and wealth creation.

The training was held at the institute’s outstation, Okigwe, Mbato Imo state from 10^th – 12^th September 2019. The programme was widely publicized in print and electronic media. Participants attested to the nutritional and economic importance of crops of focus, attributing that increased production of these crops will provide gainful employment to the underemployed women, men and youth in the country. Sixty participants 16 males, 13 women and 31 youths were trained. Immediate outcome of the training reflected knowledge and skill of participants through the pre and post training evaluation.