By joshua 
Cal Maji Foundation Holds Stakeholders Engagement On Driving Agroecology in Kogi State
… Kogi Agriculture Commissioner Lauds organic Faming Method In Safe Crop Production, Society.
Ex. Dir. Cal Maji Foundation
The administration of Gov Usman Ahmed Ododo says it support for organic faming is aimed at safe guarding the environment and the people.
Abiola.
The Stakeholders meeting was organized by Cal Maji Foundation, in conjunction with Tara (Gather Nigeria) and Chachavivi Women and Girl Child Development, SWOFON, Barns Connect with funding support from Herinch Boll STIFTUNG.
The Commissioner noted that the present administration has begun a 50/50 introduction of organic materials alongside the natural, before the transitioning of a 100% organic State, assured that the Government of Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo is passionate about food provision in the State, will partner with Cal Maji Foundation on the initiative.
The Commissioner explained that upon assumption of office by Gov. Ododo, with cost of food hitting the roof top, said the administration’s deliberate policy informed the drastic drop in the cost of food in the State.
The Commissioner disclosed further that the State’s strategic location, bordering about ten states, attracts influx of population on a daily basis, but said the deliberate efforts of the present administration in the State has drastically made cost of food prices low and available.
” The administration of Gov. Ododo has remained responsive to the yearning and aspirations of the people as regards food security. We have since adopted the Agroecology system in the State. I want to commend the farmers and other stakeholders of the State for keying into the vision of Gov. Ododo, assuring that the necessary support for us to have a policy framework on Agroecology will be supported for food security and safety of lives of our people”, appreciated Cal Maji Foundation for the laudable initiative.
Also speaking, the Kogi State Commissioner For Water Resources, Engr Yahaya MD Farouk, said the present administration of Gov. Ododo has begun the implementation of Agroecology in the State with the passage of laws that encourages irrigation farming and all year farming in the State.
The Commissioner assured that with the State Government revitalization of Dams across the State, said food security as well as safe farming practices will support Agroecology Policy Development.
In her welcome remarks, Faith Ayegba, Executive Director, Cal Maji Foundation, noted the challenges of Farmers herders crisis, road access to farms, high rate of youth unemployment,
Yearly flooding, environmental challenge and illegal mining as some challenges militating farming in the State, reason why the introduction of Agroecology.
She explained that several opportunities that abound when Agroecology is introduced in farming practices will greatly improve food sufficiency.
She described the huge aerable land Kogi State is blessed with, that can serve as a organic hub and provide majority of the youths with gainful employment, is the reason for the planned introduction of Agroecology if embraced by farmers.
She described Agroecology as a system of Farming with nature, using traditional knowledge and science, avoid the use of chemicals.
She strongly advocated for the use Agroecology, insisting that it will help in reducing land conflicts,
create jobs for women and Youths, with
Materials locally sourced as well as offer alternative means of Farming to the harmful use of pesticides.
In her presentation on Agroecology Policy Action Plan and roadmap framework for Kogi State,
Abiola Ebohen, Trustee Program Director, TARA (Nigeria Foundation), spoke on the need for Kogi State to domesticate the use of Agroecology, pointing out that it is becoming the way to go in safety of lives and the society.
The Stakeholders engagement also had a panel discussion anchored by Halima Oiza, Executive Director Chachavivi. The discussants were made up of the Civil Society, Private Sector, Farmers, Government representative and Policy makers.
Other highlights at the stakeholders was the group work and presentation.