Some stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called for Federal Government’s support for agroecology to enhance production of healthier food and to ensure environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
The stakeholders made the call on Thursday, October 10, 2024, in Abuja, at the second regional workshop on agroecology organised by Bread for the World (Brot für die Welt) a German development organisation.
The workshop is titled: “Advancing Agroecology in Nigeria: Building Pathways for Sustainable Agriculture.”
In the keynote address, Mrs Joyce Brown, Programme Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), explained that agroecology as a practice, includes different farming methods like mixed cropping, crop rotation, cover-cropping among others.
According to her, agroecology increases biodiversity, reduces need for chemical inputs and ensure increased productivity while enhancing Nigeria’s food system resilience.
Brown said that strict application of the principles of agroecology would also protect the environment as it is in line with nature.
She explained that agroecology focuses on building soil health through appropriate farming practices including agroforestry and use of organic fertilisers.
Brown said that adoption of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) does not have any advantage over agroecology but rather poses more health and environmental risks.
A GMO is a plant, animal or microorganism that has had their genetic material modified in a way that does not occur naturally through a process called genetic engineering.
Brown said that GMOs have implication from biodiversity loss as a result of intensive chemical use, loss of indigenous seed varieties, health and cultural implications as well as labelling issues.
According to Brown, agroecology on the other hand strengthens local economies, ensures rural development, energy and water efficiency, environmental conservation and increased food productivity.
Stakeholders at the event recommended that the Federal Government should develop and implement an agroecology policy built on practical solutions and successes.
They also highlighted the need to integrate agroecology into national agricultural plans and develop appropriate institutions to drive organic and agroecological farming in Nigeria.
The stakeholders further called for more training for farmers, extension workers, and policymakers as well as establishment of farmer field schools and demo plots for peer learning.
In his remarks, Prof. Olugbenga Adeoluwa of the Department of Soil Resource Management, University of Ibadan, said that agroecology is not averse to new technology.
He, however, said that just like guns and bombs, not all technologies are safe for human and environmental consumption.
“Many people that are supporting GMOs do not understand the underlying agenda which is business, control and monopoly.
“We should understand this and not be fooled,” he said.
Also, Mr Andrew Kwasari, President of Sa’l’anwaraTumal Consultaire Limites (SCI) an agro firm, stated that there was need to have in-depth research and conversations around improved seeds.
By EricJames Ochigbo
