Songhai farm is a large multimillion naira commercial farm located in Porto Novo, Benin Republic. It was established in the year 1985 by Reverend Father Godfrey Izamojo, a Nigerian. The farm utilizes a purely organic system of production and processing. Individuals from all around the world especially from Africa come over to the farm for tourism and training. The Songhai farming system has really made a good contribution to Agriculture especially by its adoption of the use of compost in transforming an unproductive or less productive soil into a very much productive one and the stimulation of the 100% organic system of farm production.
I am currently undergoing a six months training in the farm and I must say that I have really acquired a great deal of knowledge and skills. There are quite a number of Nigerians here in Songhai and I encourage more Nigerians to come here and acquire the excellent Agricultural skills that abounds here which come with productive business ideas that can make Nigeria grow economically and otherwise.
For those who are thinking of enrolling, here is a piece I've got for you:
Things To Know Before Enrolling
Most of what you do in Songhai Farm are in practical, and there is no written manual to instruct you on what to do but, you'll have to carefully and politely follow what the instructors do and then learn from it. If there is anything you don't understand, you can always schedule time for lecture where you can get to ask all the questions you have.
2. Know How To Deal with Language Barrier
In Benin Republic, French is the widely spoken language, although quite a number of them understand Yoruba. Try to learn some basics of communication in french, like, "I want to go to somewhere", " how much?", and so on, it will help you a lot with people like okada men, those selling stuffs, etc, also know that some Beninese understand English.
Your lectures will be interpreted in English by individuals whose work is to interpret3. Know the Exchange Rate
currently the exchange rate is CFA1.6 to N1, but you have to keep making enquiries for updates.
4. Accommodation
There are different categories of accommodation, first are the hotels which are very expensive, the lowest being CFA75k/month and the highest being CFA50k/day or CFA1.5m/month of course you're not a tourist so why rent a hotel suite? Secondly, you have the hostels in the farm and they usually lodge three people in a room at CFA15k/month, but if you want to occupy the room alone, you'll have to pay CFA50k/month. Thirdly, there is a College of Horticulture adjacent the school which offers accommodation for CFA15k/month. fourthly, there are accommodations within the town, at an average of say CFA25k/month, so choose which suites you well.
5. Training Costs and Duration
For enrollment less than six months, you'll pay on daily basis at CFA12k/day, for six months and above, you are to pay CFA40k/month.
6. Individual Conduct
You really have to show good conduct and self discipline, always abide by the rules and regulations of the farm which you will be told
7. Feeding
Feeding ranges from CFA200 - CFA3000/meal. The choice is yours.
Porto Novo is a great place, you can tour around and visit cool places and meet cool people too. There is 24/7 supply of power and water is always available..
Good Luck..
