PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL PRODUCTION IN DEKINA LOCAL GOVERMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE

By: -Adegbe Jeremiah, Anthonia OJ, Mark Mattew

Dekina Local government area of kogi state, has a significant agricultural sector, with palm oil production being a major contributor to the local economy. However, unsustainable practices in palm oil cultivation have led to environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and social challenges within the community. Grace-Ali health foundation (GHF) recognized the need to promote sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of palm oil production in the region.

Project Objectives:

• To promote sustainable agricultural practices among palm oil farmers.
• To improve the efficiency and productivity of palm oil production.
• To enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and local communities.
• To raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and social responsibility in palm oil production.

Project Activities:
Training Workshops: We conducted workshops to educate farmers on sustainable agricultural practices, including proper land management, use of organic fertilizers, and integrated pest management techniques. These workshops also emphasized the importance of biodiversity conservation and forest protection.

Technical Assistance: Our team provided technical assistance to farmers, offering guidance on best practices for palm oil cultivation, harvesting, and processing. This included training on efficient harvesting methods, proper handling of palm oil fruits, and maintenance of processing equipment.

Capacity Building: We facilitated capacity-building initiatives to strengthen local farmer cooperatives and associations. Training sessions focused on organizational management, financial literacy, and market access strategies to help farmers improve their bargaining power and access to markets.

Environmental Conservation: In collaboration with local authorities and community members, we initiated reforestation and conservation projects to restore degraded land and protect critical habitats. These efforts aimed to mitigate the environmental impact of palm oil production and promote biodiversity conservation.

Market Linkages: We facilitated linkages between smallholder farmers and buyers committed to sustainable sourcing practices. By connecting farmers with responsible buyers, we aimed to create market opportunities for sustainably produced palm oil, thus incentivizing adoption of sustainable practices.
Achievements:

Adoption of Sustainable Practices: A significant number of farmers have adopted sustainable agricultural practices, leading to improved soil health, increased crop yields, and reduced environmental impact.

Enhanced Livelihoods: Through capacity building and market linkages, smallholder farmers have experienced improved incomes and livelihoods. This has resulted in poverty alleviation and economic empowerment within the community.
Environmental Impact: Reforestation efforts have contributed to the restoration of degraded landscapes and the protection of biodiversity-rich areas. Sustainable palm oil production has minimized deforestation and habitat destruction, preserving ecosystem services and wildlife habitats.

Awareness and Advocacy: Our awareness campaigns have raised community awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and social responsibility in palm oil production. This has fostered a culture of sustainability and encouraged stakeholders to take proactive measures to protect the environment.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:
Market Access: Despite efforts to facilitate market linkages, some farmers continue to face challenges in accessing markets for sustainably produced palm oil. Further interventions are needed to strengthen market connections and ensure fair prices for farmers.

Policy Support: Limited policy support for sustainable palm oil production remains a challenge. Advocacy efforts are required to engage policymakers and promote the adoption of policies that incentivize sustainable practices and regulate the palm oil industry.

Community Engagement: Sustaining community engagement and participation in conservation efforts require ongoing communication and collaboration. Continuous efforts are needed to build trust, address community concerns, and foster a sense of ownership over conservation initiatives.

Feedback from framers
Mr Joseph Oceani:-“Since adopting the sustainable practices taught in the project workshops, I’ve noticed a significant increase in my palm oil yield. This has translated to higher income for my family, allowing us to improve our standard of living.”

 Mrs. Agnes Makolo:-“Before this project, I didn’t realize the impact of my farming practices on the environment. Now, I understand the importance of conserving our land and forests. I’m committed to implementing sustainable methods to protect our natural resources for future generations.”

Mr. Samson Ichado: –“One of the biggest challenges we faced as smallholder farmers was accessing reliable markets for our palm oil. Thanks to the project’s efforts in facilitating market linkages, we now have access to buyers who value sustainably produced oil. This has given us more stability and confidence in our farming enterprise.”

Recommendations:

• Strengthen market linkages and value chains for sustainably produced palm oil.
• Advocate for supportive policies and regulations that incentivize sustainable practices.
• Continue community engagement and capacity-building initiatives to foster a culture of sustainability.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of interventions to inform future programming and decision-making.

Cashew Seed Production

ADVANCING CASHEW SEED PRODUCTION IN OFU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KOGI STATE

By: – Victor Enemali, Joy Idris andJohn Adeyi

Ofu Local Government Area, nestled within the fertile lands of Kogi State, boasts a vibrant agricultural sector, with cashew seed production emerging as a significant economic driver. However, persistent challenges such as low seed quality, limited technical know-how, and inadequate market access have impeded the sector’s potential for growth and prosperity. Recognizing the pivotal role of cashew seeds in bolstering agricultural sustainability and rural livelihoods, Grace-Ali Health Foundation (GHF) embarked on a mission to augment seed production and catalyze positive transformation within the sector.

Project Objectives:

• To enhance the quality and quantity of cashew seed production through the adoption of best practices.
• To provide technical assistance and capacity building to empower local farmers and seed producers.
• To facilitate market linkages and create avenues for improved seed market access.
• To promote environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices within the cashew seed production ecosystem.

Project Activities:
Technical Training Workshops: The project conducted comprehensive training workshops designed to impart best practices in cashew seed production. Topics covered included nursery establishment, seedling management, pest and disease control, and post-harvest handling. These workshops equipped farmers with the requisite skills and knowledge to optimize seed production processes.

Capacity Building Initiatives: Capacity-building programs were initiated to bolster the capabilities of local farmers and seed producers. Through targeted training sessions, participants were empowered with insights into effective farm management, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills, fostering a culture of self-reliance and innovation within the community.

On-Site Demonstrations and Field Support: The project team provided on-site demonstrations and field support to farmers, offering personalized guidance on seedling care, pruning techniques, and soil fertility management. This hands-on approach facilitated experiential learning and enabled farmers to implement best practices with confidence.

Market Linkages and Value Addition: Efforts were made to forge strategic partnerships and facilitate market linkages between seed producers and buyers, including nurseries, agro-dealers, and agricultural cooperatives. Additionally, initiatives were undertaken to explore value addition opportunities within the seed production value chain, thereby enhancing the economic viability of seed production enterprises.

Environmental Sustainability: Environmental stewardship was prioritized through the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, including the utilization of organic fertilizers, water conservation measures, and agroforestry techniques. By integrating principles of sustainability into seed production activities, the project aimed to safeguard natural resources and promote ecological resilience.

 Achievements:

Enhanced Seed Quality and Quantity: The project led to tangible improvements in the quality and quantity of cashew seeds produced within the region. Adoption of best practices resulted in healthier seedlings, increased germination rates, and higher yields, thereby enhancing the overall productivity of cashew seed production enterprises.

Empowered Farmers and Producers: Through capacity-building initiatives, local farmers and seed producers were empowered with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in the competitive agricultural landscape. Enhanced technical proficiency, coupled with entrepreneurial acumen, enabled participants to unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

Expanded Market Access: The project’s focus on market linkages and value addition created avenues for enhanced market access and improved profitability for seed producers. By connecting producers with reliable buyers and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders, the initiative catalyzed market-driven approaches to seed production and distribution.

Promoted Environmental Resilience: Environmental sustainability was advanced through the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and conservation measures. By promoting soil health, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience, the project contributed to the long-term sustainability of cashew seed production systems and fostered greater environmental stewardship within the community.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:

Market Dynamics: Fluctuations in market demand and pricing posed challenges to seed producers, highlighting the need for diversification strategies and adaptive management approaches to mitigate market risks.

Resource Constraints: Limited access to inputs, infrastructure, and financial resources emerged as barriers to scaling up seed production activities, underscoring the importance of continued investment in agricultural development initiatives.
Capacity Sustainability: Sustaining the momentum of capacity-building initiatives beyond the project duration necessitates ongoing support, collaboration, and knowledge exchange platforms to ensure the continued empowerment of local farmers and producers.

Feedbacks from farmers: –
Mrs. Ojonugwa Christopher: – “The project has opened up new opportunities for us to sell our cashew seeds. Through the market linkages facilitated by the Grace-Ali Health Foundation (GHF), I’ve been able to connect with reliable buyers willing to pay fair prices for our produce. This has boosted my income and improved my family’s livelihood.”

Mr. Nathaniel Ugbede:- “Since participating in the cashew seed production project, I’ve seen a significant improvement in both the quantity and quality of my cashew seeds. The training and support provided have helped me adopt better practices, resulting in healthier seedlings and higher yields.”

Mr. JoeakinOgbadu:- “The capacity-building workshops organized by the project team have been invaluable. I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge on seedling management, pest control, and post-harvest handling. Armed with this information, I feel more confident in my abilities as a seed producer and entrepreneur.”

Recommendations:

• Strengthen market intelligence mechanisms to enable seed producers to make informed decisions and adapt to evolving market dynamics.
• Foster public-private partnerships to leverage resources, expertise, and market networks for sustained growth and innovation within the seed production sector.
• Enhance collaboration with governmental agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to facilitate policy reforms and institutional support for agricultural development initiatives.

MISSION: – To empower youth to lead transformative change in society’s health landscape through creativity, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to global sustainability goals.

 

VISION: – Cultivating a society where physical, mental, and social health thrive.