Last Updated on March 2, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Joy Adeyiga & Raymond Osemene
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), through its AGRECOFARM, has commenced a 3-Day vocational education training workshop on agroecology and sustainable food production. The programme, which brought together farmers, students, extension agents, agribusiness operators and other stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, began today, Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Delivering the Opening Remarks, the Team Lead of AGRECOFARM FUNAAB, Prof. Adewale Dipeolu, represented by Prof. Oladapo Fasae, described the initiative as a carefully structured platform designed to address pressing challenges in education, financial empowerment, and community development. He noted that beyond learning from facilitators, participants would also benefit from peer-to-peer engagement through interaction, demonstrations and shared experiences throughout the 3-Day programme.
Prof. Dipeolu emphasised that sustainable progress can only be achieved when opportunities, resources and financial support are equitably distributed across society. According to him, meaningful transformation occurs when support systems are strengthened and individuals are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed.
In his remarks, the Director of the, Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu, reiterated the need for innovative and knowledge-driven approaches to farming, particularly in the face of rising global food demand. He stressed that modern agriculture requires more than traditional practices, highlighting efficient water usage, soil rejuvenation and sustainable land management as critical components of productive farming systems.
Prof. Fafiolu further explained that whereas land reclamation previously took up to 15 years before degraded land could become suitable for cultivation, recent research breakthroughs and emerging technologies have reduced the process to as little as one year. He restated that efficiency in irrigation, soil regeneration and overall resource management remains essential for maximising productivity while safeguarding the environment.
Earlier in her Welcome Address, the Programme Coordinator, Agroecology FUNAAB, Dr. Folashade Oke, expressed delight at the impressive turnout and diversity of participants. She noted that the training, organised under the AGRECOFARM initiative and hosted by CEADESE, attracted smallholder and large-scale farmers, youths, women, students and farm service providers.
According to Dr. Oke, the programme reflected FUNAAB’s commitment not only to teaching and research but also to translating knowledge into practical skills that enhance livelihoods, strengthen food security and promote environmental sustainability.
She revealed that the workshop was deliberately structured to be 80 per cent practical, enabling participants to engage in hands-on sessions covering sustainable land preparation, soil testing, greenhouse and hydroponic crop production, product processing, feed pellet production and farm record keeping.
Dr. Oke added that the initiative represented a shared commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture, livestock production and innovative farming solutions that directly address the needs of farmers and agribusinesses across the country.
