As Nigeria marks the 2022 World Food Day, experts from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and stakeholders at the National Policy Dialogue on Agroecology in Nigeria has called for a policy framework for the development and practice of agroecology in Nigeria.
The stakeholders during the policy dialogue workshop said the destructive tendencies of the effect of climate change on the natural environment and livelihood activities, there is the need to practical options to balance up the ecosystem.
Speaking on policy support for sustainable agroecological practices, the former deputy vice chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and the Head Abuja station, IITA, Lateef Sanni, said agroecology helps to protect, restore and improve agriculture and food system in the face of climate shocks and stressors.
He said agroecological approach application of integrated ecological, economic and social principles to the transition of smallholder farming systems, towards greater resilience.
He therefore called for sensitisation on implementation framework that directly support sustainable agroecology in Nigeria.
He said there is the need for the government funding support of Universalities of Agriculture and other private research organisations to conduct research on organic and regenerative agriculture good practices and technologies.
Sanni said there are no enough established organic produce market hence the disposal of organic produce is still one of the limiting factors to EOA development in Nigeria.
Declaring the workshop open, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mahmood Abubakar who was represented by the Director, Extension Services, Engr. Frank Satumri, said the ministry is committed to pushing agroecology to greatness arising from the prompt of ECOWAS.
According to the Minister, the ministry will endeavour to promote agroecology and also seeks collaboration with other relevant organisations in delivering programmes on agroecology.
Earlier, the Director, Projects Coordinating Unit, said it is imperative to explore the possibilities and options open to agricultural stakeholders in mitigating the deteriorating impact of climate change and environmental degradation.
