By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga
In an effort to advance sustainable agriculture in Nigeria, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in conjunction with the Kansas State University (KSU), and ProtectOzone, Lagos, the trio in collaboration with the United States (US) Consulate in Nigeria have commenced a 10-Day Permaculture Design Workshop in FUNAAB.
Permaculture entails cultivating agricultural ecosystems in a self-sufficient and sustainable manner, drawing inspiration from nature to create synergistic farming systems based on crop diversity, resilience, natural productivity, and sustainability.
Addressing participants during the Opening Ceremony of the Workshop at the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) Board Room, Mr. Olalekan Sipasi, a Ph.D. candidate at KSU, United States of America (U.S.A) revealed that he recognised the applicability of permaculture to Africans during his Ph.D. training, which prompted him to secure a grant and introduce permaculture to Africa.
Mr. Sipasi emphasised that his goal was to showcase what is being accomplished in Africa expressing satisfaction that his lecturers gained valuable insights into permaculture beyond their previous knowledge. Providing further insight into ProtectOzone, Mr. Sipasi explained that the organisation was established in 2015 to train youths and women farmers in sustainable agricultural practices, combating extreme hunger, poverty, and alleviating food insecurity in Nigeria.
Similarly, Dr. Jeremy Cowan, an Assistant Professor in Sustainable Food Production Systems at Kansas State University, commended the course, participants, and FUNAAB, highlighting its potential and facilities compared to many other universities in the country.
Dr. Cowan affirmed his mission to provide Permaculture education in Nigeria, stressing its role in fostering sustainable agriculture and saving lives by addressing not only food needs but also the social needs of individuals.
As an internationally recognised course, Dr. Cowan encouraged students to meet attendance requirements while urging tutors to foster more personal relationships with their students.
In his Remarks, the Dean, COLPLANT, Prof. Jonathan Atungwu, appreciated the organisers of the training and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde for facilitating the students’ participation in the International Conference.
Earlier, the Permaculture Group met and greeted the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo.
