HOMEF engages Nigerian farmers in agro-ecological and bio-fertilizer training

In an effort to boost food production and mitigate environmental degradation, the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has recently conducted a two-day training session for farmers in the Eteo community, located within the Eleme local government area of Rivers State. This initiative focuses on teaching agro-ecological practices and the production of bio-fertilizers and pesticides, alongside mangrove nursery establishment and planting. The training also emphasized the critical role of mangroves in environmental protection and the importance of their conservation.

The programme lead of HOMEF, Stephen Oduware, shared insights with the media, underscoring the training’s objective to rejuvenate the livelihoods adversely affected by oil exploration and exploitation activities in the region. He highlighted the detrimental impact of oil spills on local farmlands and mangrove forests, including the broader ecosystem, and pointed out the organization’s commitment to solidarity building and environmental education within the community.

Oduware explained, “We are here today at Eteo community to have sessions of practical training on agro-ecological practices and also that of mangrove restoration. Agro-ecological practices are farming practices that work with nature, that do not take in artificial and chemical inputs. So that is what we have brought to them, to improve the health of their soil and to improve their yield as farmers. And also to work together with them to restore the mangrove and ecosystems of the area.”

The significance of mangroves was a key focus, with Oduware detailing the benefits these ecosystems offer to the community and the environment at large. He noted, “Mangroves have a lot of benefit to both the community and the people as a whole. The mangrove stands as a buffer against dangerous storms from the sea and when that is not there, the impact gets to the community. It helps to control erosion, it even improves fishing as we know that a lot of fish find the mangrove as shelter and as a harbor.”

This training represents a crucial step toward sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration in Eteo. It aims to equip local farmers with the knowledge and skills to practice eco-friendly farming and contribute to the regeneration of their natural surroundings.