In a bid to enhance food security and create job opportunities, residents of Iwaya in Lagos State have been trained and encouraged to embrace farming as a sustainable means of livelihood.
This call was made during a recent town hall meeting at the palace of the Olu of Iwaya, where agricultural experts gathered to enlighten residents on the opportunities in small-scale farming and livestock rearing.
One of the speakers emphasized the importance of individual efforts in tackling food insecurity, urging residents to take advantage of their immediate environment to grow food for personal consumption.
“We organized this initiative to sensitize people on how to use their surroundings to provide food they can eat for themselves,” he stated.
“You shouldn’t wait for the government to do everything for you. There are things you can start on your own, no matter how small.”
Throughout the training, experts encouraged the residents to find ways to participate in the agricultural value chain, even if they lacked space for a traditional farm. They explained that individuals could contribute by marketing farm products, which not only generates income but also helps mitigate poverty.
“Even if you don’t have a plot of land, you can support the value chain. You could market these products and earn some money. By doing this, you are putting food on your table and some money in your pocket,” he explained, stressing that these initiatives would empower individuals economically while enhancing food access within the community.
At the end of the training, participants expressed optimism and stated plans to start a balcony farm after learning from the session.
“My expectation was to learn and benefit from what was being offered here. In two weeks, I will start my own farm on my balcony,” a participant shared.