Farmers, agricultural experts, and policymakers in Akwa Ibom State have stressed the importance of promoting agroecological practices as a pathway to improving food security, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity.
This call was made during am Agroecology Knowledge Sharing session, organized by the Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) tagged, “Strengthening the Network of Actors for the Promotion of Agroecology in Akwa Ibom State”, where stakeholders convened to discuss the future of sustainable agriculture.
The meeting, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, brought together stakeholders from the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the state’s Ministry of Agriculture, and various farmer associations, as well as experts in agroecology and representatives from the private and civil sectors.
Dr. Caroline Gordian, Project Manager of the Clement Isong Foundation, took the opportunity to showcase the positive impact of the SPA II project, which has focused on equipping young farmers with knowledge and skills in organic farming.
She called for greater government investment in agroecology within the state’s agricultural policy framework, noting that such an approach would contribute to both ecological preservation and public health.
“Prioritizing agroecological methods in our farming practices is critical. The state government’s financial backing and a solid policy structure will help farmers transition to organic systems, fostering long-term health and sustainability,” Dr. Gordian emphasized.
The Zonal Coordinator for the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative, Mr. Howard Usen, shared insights into how the market systems can be leveraged to enhance agroecological practices.
He stressed the importance of developing robust value chains, integrating digital tools for better traceability, and fostering policy coherence to expand market access for agroecological products.
Usen argued that modernizing market structures would not only enhance competitiveness but also improve the traceability and profitability of agroecological products, both locally and internationally.
Representatives from BOA and CBN also discussed financial opportunities available to farmers, especially smallholders. They stressed the need for improved financial literacy and better documentation to access loans, advocating for the recapitalization of the BOA to better support the agricultural sector.
They further noted that many farmers face difficulties in accessing financial resources due to inadequate documentation and a lack of awareness. According to them, it is imperative to improve financial literacy among farmers and expand their access to credit to ensure the continuous growth of the sector.
During the event, participants also identified several barriers hindering the adoption of agroecology in Akwa Ibom. These challenges include limited access to markets, inadequate funding, policy inconsistency, and insufficient integration of research with practical farming techniques. Women farmers, in particular, face additional obstacles such as limited access to mechanized farming tools and food processing infrastructure.
In response, stakeholders recommended the establishment of community-driven training programs, greater reliance on organic inputs, and a harmonization of agricultural policies. They also advocated for conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) to guide sustainable farming practices.
Other suggestions included strengthening financial literacy initiatives, creating a network for organic farmers, and leveraging digital platforms for advocacy and knowledge sharing.
