Brief on ARMTI

 

Background

In the late ’70s it became clear that our dependence on oil revenue to the neglect of agricultural development was unreliable for national economic and social development. The Federal Government of Nigeria then pumped a lot of money into reviving agricultural activities and productivity in Nigeria. However, it was soon realized that the huge investments in agriculture would not yield the desired results because of an acute shortage of manpower with requisite managerial skills and capability. Consequently, an institute to train and develop the required manpower to manage the many agricultural and rural development projects existing and being planned, became a necessity. In 1980, with the assistance of a World Bank loan, ARMTI was established to satisfy this need.

Contact Details

Head Office
Km. 18, Ilorin-Ajase-Ipo Highway
Phone: +234 706 308 6085
Email: info@armti.gov.ng
Website: www.armti.gov.ng

Services

Consultancy and Advisory Services

ARMTI provides consultancy services to both public and private sector organizations engaged in the task of agricultural and rural development. Such consultancy advice is based on an in-depth diagnostic study of the client organization which is followed by assistance from ARMTI for implementing appropriate management intervention to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the client organization.

Research and Diagnostic Services

The ARMTI research service helps faculty and staff researchers develop competitive proposals and resubmissions for external funding, and inform decision making for policy development. Our services include management and advice on proposal development based on best practices, expert advice on budget preparation, location of needed resources, provide trainings and workshops as well as help with project management and Implementation.

Dissemination of Agric. Information

Training, Workshops, Seminars, Annual Public Lectures along with publications resulting from our research, consultancy and advisory services afford ARMTI the opportunity to reach a broader audience and constitute an essential multiplier of ARMTI’s impact.

Policy and Procedure Development

ARMTI offers services in the development of agricultural, rural and social development policies.  The Institute also develops National and sector Gender Policies and Management procedures.

Our process of developing policies and procedures is an activity that generally involves research, analysis, consultation and synthesis of information to produce recommendations.

 It involves an evaluation of options against a set of criteria used to assess each option. Our effective policy process is one that is generally characterized by the following five attributes:

1.  Issue Identification
2.  Issue Analysis
3.  Generating Solutions
4.  Consultation
5.  Performance Monitoring

About

Background of ARMTI

The Nigerian agricultural sector suffered a major setbackbecause of the oil boom of the 1970s. One of the major steps taken by the government to put agriculture back on track was the establishment of Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs) across the nation. The need to develop human resources to manage these ADPs and other agricultural institutions led to the establishment of the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) as a parastatal of the then Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources (FMANR) in 1980.

Governance

The Institute is headed by an Executive Director who reports through a Board of Governors to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Membership of the Board is made up of: Three Federal Government nominees from the private and public sectors.

1. A representative of the Kwara State Polytechnic.
2. The Federal Director of Agriculture.
3. A representative of the National Universities. Commission.
4. Executive Director / Chief Executive of ARMTI.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a world-class Management Development Institute, facilitating the development and application of best management practices for the Agricultural and Rural Sector.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to identify and analyze management problems/ needs and develop appropriate interventions to improve managerial practice in the Agricultural and Rural Sector.

Our Value Statement

ARMTI is committed to excellence in service delivery, with highly trained staff, imbibing a culture of prompt response to clients’ needs, while upholding the highest standards of integrity.

Our Objectives

ARMTI’s services, which are primarily directed at the agricultural and rural sector, are to:

1. Provide management training;
2. Provide consultancy and advisory services;
3. Conduct applied management research, special and diagnostic studies;
4. Disseminate management information; and
5. Contribute to policy development, which would enhance better management of the agricultural and rural sector in Nigeria.

Our Training Scope

ARMTI’s training programme cover the following major areas:

• Planning and management of agricultural and rural development;
• Human resource development and general management;
• Agricultural finance and rural credit management;
• Entrepreneurship and small/medium enterprise development and management;
• Management information system and data processing;
• Gender issues and youth development;
• Agricultural research management;
• Rural infrastructure and institutions development management; and
• Extension management.

Besides regular training courses, ARMTI also organizes workshops, seminars and conferences on topical issues relating to agricultural and rural development policy and management. For many years, ARMTI has been organizing international courses and has been reputed as a Centre of excellence in management training in Africa.

Our Approach

Practical: ARMTI courses are designed to provide practical assistance to all grades of managers serving in the agricultural and rural sector in the three tiers of government viz: local, state and federal. 

Participatory: The training methods emphasize shared learning experiences, case studies, role plays and syndicate discussions to ensure that course subject matter is applied to real life situations. ARMTI also runs special management clinics, and laboratories for improving human interaction. Our training approach is enriched by modern training technology such as multimedia equipment and resourceful study tours. 

Responsive: ARMTI courses have been developed to meet the training needs identified in a systematic survey of client organizations, and are regularly revised in the light of changing demands. 

Follow – up: A follow-up system has been adopted to help participants apply what they have learnt in the classroom to their job situations. For instance, participants may be asked to carry out practical projects or assignments which will then be reviewed by ARMTI faculty. In other cases, client organizations may be visited after training, to give further coaching and assistance to participants and to up-date information already provided.

IN-HOUSE COURSES

These are job-specific and performance-based special training packages designed to respond to the unique requirements of individual organizations. These specialized packages have been found to be more economical and rewarding because theyenable organizations to train more people on their sites at minimum cost.

CONSULTANCY SERVICES

ARMTI also provides consultancy services to both public and private sectororganizations engaged in the task of agricultural and rural development. Such consultancy advice is based on an in-depth diagnostic study of the client organisation, which is followed by assistance from ARMTI for implementing appropriate management intervention to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the client organization. In the past years, ARMTI has provided consultancy services to the Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs), Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Nigerian Agip Oil Company’s Green River Project, United Nations Development Programme, InternationalLabour Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations sponsored projects, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Elf Petroleum (Nigeria) Limited, Delta State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), of the Archdiocese of Ibadan, etc.

Information Services

Training, Workshops, Seminars, Annual Public Lectures along with publications resulting from research, consultancy and advisory services afford ARMTI the opportunity to reach a broader audience and constitute an essentialmultiplier of ARMTI’s impact.

Training Associates

Even though ARMTI’s faculty is equipped with diversified top-notch talents in management training, the need for special skills cannot be over-emphasized. In our continuous efforts to meet our customers’ needs, a select crop of experts are invited from time to time to inject complementary experiences and practical insights into our training and research activities. Such experts are drawn from the universities, the private sector, the ADP’s and most especially from the pool of highly experienced retired managers across the nation. Besides its being cost effective, the exchange of ideas between our faculty and these associates generate a balanced and unique approach needed for improved management education.

Our Clients

ARMTI serves the nation-wide Agricultural Development Projects (ADP), the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs),Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, State Ministries of Agriculture and Natural Resources (MANR), National Agricultural Research Institutes, Forestry and Livestock sub-sectors,Agricultural-business Organizations,Private Corporations, NDDC, Oil and Gas Companies, etc.

Collaboration with International Organizations

In addition to functional relationships with national organizations, ARMTI has successfully developed collaborative arrangements with international agencies, such as: The Commonwealth Secretariat (COMSEC) in London, the World Bank Institute, Centre for Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP); Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI) in Arusha, Tanzania; Centre for Integrated Rural Development in Africa (CIRDAFRIC); International Labour Organization (ILO); Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); West African Management Development Institutes Network (WAMDEVIN); and the National Academy for Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) India. The Afro-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) and Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Khartoum, Sudan.

International Programmes

ARMTI is recognized by international agencies as an appropriate centre to organize national courses funded by them and as an international training centre of excellence in Africa. We have already organized international courses on Agricultural Project Planning and Management and Rural Credit Management Programmes financed by the COMSEC and an Agricultural Research Management Programme for Research Scientists sponsored by IITA/ICRISAT/WARDA. The World Bank Institute has endorsed ARMTI as a centre of excellence which serves as the Regional base for the Agricultural Management Training for Africa (AMTA). The Institute served as the prime mover of the Research-Extension-Farmers-Input-Linkage System (REFILS) which is being adopted all over Africa. It has also been identified by AARDO as a centre of excellence for its programmes.

Management Training Services

ARMTI offers leadership and management training courses. You will level up compulsory skills and get to learn various innovative ways to manage and develop people, handle social issues, and discover new business prospects. Our leadership and management training courses help you develop those skills as they teach the professionals the important leadership principles and practices. 

Russia-Ukraine war live: Kyiv says seven killed in Kherson, including baby

 

Ukraine forces seek to pierce Russian lines in south: Russia-installed official

Ukrainian forces are trying to pierce Russian lines in the western parts of Donetsk region where waves of Ukrainian fighters were used to gain a foothold to the east of the town of Staromaiorske, according ro a Russian-installed official.

Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed official in parts of Zaporizhzhia controlled by Moscow, said that there had been intense fighting south of Velyka Novosilka as Ukrainian troops try to pierce Russian lines to push down to the coast on the Sea of Azov.

“The enemy managed to enter and gain a foothold in the northern part of Urozhaine after two weeks of the heaviest and bloodiest battles for this settlement,” Rogov said, referring to the same part of the front line.

Low MCV and MCH: Meaning and TreatmentMedically Approved by Dr. Edward Salko

Table of Contents

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) go hand-in-hand when diagnosing blood disorders and underlying physiological conditions. To have low MCV and MCH means your hemoglobin production is less than normal. As a result, the number of healthy red blood cells also decreases, leading to anemia.

Although anemia is generally not a cause of serious health complications, it becomes a concern when left untreated. You can improve low MCH and MCV by increasing your dietary intake of foods high in iron, folate, and vitamins A and C.

Keep reading to learn more about what to do when you have decreased MCV and MCH. 

What Do Low MCV and MCH Mean?

When your mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin are lower than the healthy range, it may indicate iron-deficiency anemia, microcytosis, and thalassemia. MCV and MCH are both parameters measured in a complete blood count (CBC) and a peripheral blood smear. 

The normal ranges for both are as follows:

• MCV: 80 to 100 fL
• MCH: 27 to 33 pg/cell

Results from different laboratories may differ slightly. Nonetheless, extremely low MCV and MCH can be traced back to problems involving the red blood cells’ hemoglobin. 

Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen to cells and collects carbon dioxide for release through the lungs. Since hemoglobin is a vital component of RBCs, its deficiency and malformation lead to low erythrocyte count. 

Pro Tip: You may experience serious health complications when your red blood cells are below normal values. The good news is that you can increase your erythrocyte count by improving your diet, taking supplements, and doing other things. Learn more about how to fix low RBC count. 

Causes of Low MCV and MCH

MCV and MCH, along with other RBC indices, provide information about your hemoglobin and red blood cells, as a whole. If you have both low MCH and MCV, it could indicate the following conditions. 

Microcytic Anemia

People with microcytic anemia have small red blood cells that appear to be paler than they should be – a condition described as hypochromic. Due to a lack of hemoglobin, RBCs shrink in size. Microcytic anemia correlates with the other blood disorders below and inflammatory disease. Notably, it’s linked to iron deficiency. 

Iron-deficiency Anemia

Low MCH and MCV may suggest low intake or malabsorption of iron – a key component in the formation of hemoglobin. Know how serious iron-deficiency anemia can get and find ways to address the condition effectively. 

Did You Know? Women may experience hair loss due to insufficient iron. Unlike men, women tend to lose more iron due to their menstrual cycle. Read more about female hair loss and its connection to iron deficiency. 

Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a genetic disorder wherein your body fails to produce enough hemoglobin. It is likely due to a mutated gene passed along to generations. If you have anyone in your family with thalassemia, consider having your MCV and MCH checked, primarily if the condition affects one of your parents.

How Are MCV and MCH Related?

MCV and MCH are red blood cell indices, which are references to evaluate the overall health and quality of red blood cells or erythrocytes. Red blood cell indices measure the erythrocytes’ size, volume, and quality, along with the amount of hemoglobin therein. 

Below is the complete list of RBC indices that help diagnose blood disorders, especially anemia. 

• Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): refers to the size of red blood cells
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): the average amount of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC): measures how much hemoglobin there is in your RBCs per volume
• Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): determines how much your red blood cells vary in size and volume

All these other indices are also evaluated, not just MCV and MCH, to ensure an accurate diagnosis of anemia. For example, low MCV, MCH, and MCHC strengthen the evidence of anemia, as they are all influenced by hemoglobin concentration. MCHC should not fall under its normal range of 32 to 36 (d/dL). 

On the other hand, RDW lab values tend to increase in the presence of anemia. In contrast, low RDW poses no critical health issues. Normal RDW should be within 12% to 15%. 

How Can I Improve My Low MCV and MCH?

Treatment for anemia, and by extension – low MCV and MCH, usually involves adjusting your lifestyle and improving your diet. In some cases, your doctor will order additional testing to find the cause of anemia. Either way, the following steps can help normalize your MCV, MCH, and the rest of your red blood cell indices.

Consume more iron-rich foods

Including foods high in iron in your diet is simple as most of these foods already comprise many staple meals. However, the challenge may lie when switching to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. In this case, you’ll have to consult with your nutritionist to ensure that you get enough iron from alternatives (non-heme iron). 

According to the National Institutes of Health, the average intake of dietary iron should be as follows: 

• Children aged 2 to 11: 11.5 to 13.7 mg/day
• Adolescents aged 12 to19: 15.1 mg/day
• Adult men: 16.3 to 18.2 mg/day
• Adult women: 12.6 to 13.5 mg/day

Consider the following iron-rich foods as part of your diet:

• Red meat (beef, liver, pork loin, etc.)
• Poultry (chicken meat and eggs)
• Shellfish (oyster, mussels, clams)
• Green leafy vegetables (spinach and collard)
• Legumes (chickpeas, and lentils)
• Sesame and pumpkin seeds
• Black beans
• Edamame 
• Dried fruits
• Iron-fortified cereals 

Did You Know? There are two types of iron according to their dietary sources: heme and non-heme iron. Heme can be found solely in animal products, while non-heme are from fruits and vegetables. Research shows that over 95% of functional iron in humans is heme. So if you’re a vegan or planning to be one, you must have a supplemental plan for iron that you discuss with your nutritionist. 

Get more vitamin B12 and folate in your diet

Vitamin B12 and folate (Vitamin B9) are nutrients needed to form healthy red blood cells. Hence, if you have deficiencies in these vitamins, it’s highly likely to develop low MCH and MCV. 

Include the following food sources of vitamin B12 and B9 in your diet:

• Fish (salmon, tuna, and trout)
• Meat (beef, pork, and poultry)
• Leafy greens (spinach, cabbage, and kale)
• Broccoli 
• Brussel sprouts 
• Dairy products
• Fortified cereals

Consider taking supplements

Add supplements in your diet to compensate iron, and multivitamin deficiencies. Supplements are often recommended if you’re diagnosed with medical conditions that influence the absorption of nutrients. 

Iron tablets are a standard prescription for people with anemia to speed up the normalization of your RBC count and correct abnormalities in your red blood cell indices.

However, it’s important to note that supplements without any deficiency can have side effects on your health. For example, excess intake of oral iron supplements can lead to gastrointestinal issues, increase your risk of infections, and result in iron overload or hemochromatosis. Thus, it’s best to get tested for iron-deficiency anemia first, then consult your doctor on whether you should take supplements and their dosage. 

Take vitamins A and C to improve iron absorption

With enough vitamins A and C in your diet, your ability to absorb iron improves. As a result, healthcare providers may also check on any deficiencies involving these vitamins when assessing iron-deficiency anemia, as well as low RBC indices like MCV, MCH, and MCHC. 

Studies have shown that vitamin C increases gastrointestinal iron absorption, but only when taken in combination with iron supplements and the right dosage. Vitamin C deficiency or scurvy can also lead to anemia. Hence, if you exhibit its symptoms, a vitamin C blood test can help with the diagnosis. 

On the other hand, vitamin A and beta-carotene help in iron absorption by forming a complex with iron. This prevents antinutrients like phytates from counteracting absorption. 

When preparing your diet plan for iron deficiency, consider the following rich sources of vitamins A and C.

Vitamin A and beta-carotene

• Oily fish (tuna and salmon)
• Dairy products (cheese, milk, and yogurt)
• Carrots
• Apricots 
• Sweet potatoes
• Mango 
• Bell peppers

Vitamin C

• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, lemon)
• Strawberries
• Potatoes
• tomatoes
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts)

Avoid iron blockers

Certain substances could inhibit the absorption of iron. They are usually components found in plants that bond to a metal atom in a process called chelation, making the compound unavailable for absorption. Two of the most notable iron blockers or antinutrients are phytates and polyphenols, which can be found in certain foods and drinks. 

Therefore, if you have MCV and MCH below the normal range, regulate the following:

• Tea
• Coffee 
• Cocoa powder
• Flaxseeds 
• Pine nuts
• Walnuts 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is low MCH a concern?

To have a low MCH (<33 pg/cell) in your CBC should be a concern, especially if your MCV, MCHC, and hematocrit blood test show a below-normal result. This indicates problems in the hemoglobin formation of the red blood cells, which characterize anemia. Further testing may be necessary to qualify the type of anemia, which also suggests its severity. 

Should I worry if my MCV is low?

How serious microcytosis becomes depends on what’s causing the condition. A low MCV can be alarming if it’s alongside symptoms of poisoning, specifically lead, which inhibits iron absorption. On the other hand, it can also be due to anemia, which can generally be treated by supplementation and diet adjustment. However, additional treatment may be prescribed if the condition is severe or related to a more serious illness. 

Does MCV decrease with age?

Evidence reveals that MCV increases over time, which shows how the red blood cells grow in volume as you age. In a 2022 study published in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, the dataset collected from non-anemic respondents aged 1 to 88 showed an upward linear trend in MCV as age increases.  

The Bottom Line

If your CBC shows low MCV and MCH, you don’t need to immediately rush to the ER. However, it doesn’t mean you should ignore it as well, as it may cause symptoms that can affect your routine. Inform your doctor or a professional provider via a virtual channel about the results. Whether it’s anemia as an isolated condition or a symptom of a more complex illness, make sure you follow through with the recommended diet improvement and/or supplementation.

I Escaped Death While Someone Fried To Death: Bella Shmurda Explain...

"Omo, hope the lad's family got compensated."

Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda recently shared a horrific story about his life that made him stop working with Dangote. 

Read someone's reaction to Bella's story about working with Dangote: "The rich in Nigeria build wealth on the blood of the poor."

At first, I wanted to be a Doctor and in 2011, I said to my Science Teacher I wanted to become "A Successful Musician"

At first, I wanted to be a Doctor and in 2011, I said to my Science Teacher I wanted to become "A Successful Musician"

Olamide

I record Future I Know, Owo, Ijo Ife (Love Dance), Ife (Love) My Dream Girl and Also Fuji Album titled "Oro Olu".

September 20th, 2019 I welcomed my first children (Taye & Kehinde) MAT & MAK.

I've solicits assistance from many including Olamide, Davido, Tonny Elumenu, Elon Musk, President Puttin, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Don Jassy, Funke Akindele and many others.

Interviewer: Do anyone of them responded?

Response: NO, but I never give up, they also have a lot of things, a lot of people on them and a lot of business to attend to.

So for this reason, I blame no one.

I may be employed by any of them, it may not even be for Music. It maybe as an office assistant, lyrics jotter, as parts of management team and so on.

Olamide unveiled 11th career album, "Unruly" featuring only young cats like Asake, Ckay, BNXN, Fireboy and Rema 😲‼️

Olamide unveiled 11th career album, "Unruly" featuring only young cats like Asake, Ckay, BNXN, Fireboy and Rema 😲‼️