By Femi Dansu
The Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta recently organised a Two-Day Refresher Training for Multipliers of Organic Agriculture.
The event was held between July 31 and August 1, 2024, at the Green Chamber of the University.
In his Opening Remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, highlighted FUNAAB’s leading role in Organic Agriculture, stating, “This is where it started in Nigeria, and it has grown from FUNAAB to several other universities.”
He noted that the Vice-Chancellor took pride in FUNAAB being ranked as the Best University of Agriculture in Africa and the 7th best globally by the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking for 2024.
Additionally, he highlighted FUNAAB’s top ranking in Nigeria in the Sustainable Development Goals SDG 2 for its contributions to eliminating hunger, underscoring the University’s innovative practices in organic agriculture.
Prof. Kehinde explained that the Training was aimed at equipping participants, the chosen “disciples,” to further spread the message of Organic Agriculture in the University mandate areas.
He mentioned that earlier this year, visitors from Kansas State University collaborated with colleagues at FUNAAB to develop Organic Agriculture, urging participants to lead as vanguards of the movement.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Director, AMREC, Prof. Jacob Olaoye encouraged participants to embrace organic farming, stressing its benefits for health and the environment.
According to him, “Organic is life if only we adhere strictly to our natural way of farming.”
In his Goodwill Message, the Ag. Director, Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), Dr. Emmanuel Bankole noted the importance of organic farming in conserving the environment and promoting healthy living, urging participants to advocate for Organic Agriculture.
The programme convener, Prof. Oluwakemi Irekhore, said that the training was sponsored by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (GMZ) and implemented by GIZ through the International Federation of Organic Agriculture (IFOAM) via the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture in Africa.
Prof. Irekhore emphasised the importance of promoting Organic Agriculture to ensure the availability of healthy and safe food.
She delivered a poem titled “The Garden Earth”, advocating for teaching and adopting organic practices to reap their benefits.
Mrs. Comfort Dasaolu, representing the Ag. Bursar expressed gratitude to the organisers and highlighted the significance of eating organic products in achieving a healthy lifestyle.
Renowned Organic Farmer and Advocate, Barrister Olusola Sowemimo, used a SWOT analysis to discuss the importance of building relationships, marketing, and taking advantage of opportunities in organic farming.
According to her, leveraging social media, and sustainable practices in business helps to build customer relationships.
Prof. Christopher Adejuyigbe, the Keynote Speaker, recounted the history of Organic Agriculture in Nigeria, noting its reliance on ecological processes and local conditions.
He highlighted the four principles of Organic Agriculture: health, ecology, fairness, and care, and discussed the focus areas of Organic Agriculture, including research, advocacy, and certification.
Prof. Adejuyigbe also mentioned the establishment of OAPTIN in 2005 and its role in training and capacity building in Organic Agriculture.
The training was attended by Mr. Benjamin Fawenu Ojo, representing the farmers, Beulah Resources and Agri Biz Enterprises, Abeokuta, University Community participants, and Mr. Sunday Emmanuel, representing the University Librarian, including several participants from within and outside of the University.
