IFAD/LIFE-ND Ondo Project Office Enhances Farmers' Knowledge with Study Tour of Integrated Farms

 

IFAD/LIFE-ND Ondo Project Office Enhances Farmers' Knowledge with Study Tour of Integrated Farms

IFAD/LIFE-ND has intensified its efforts to transform farmers into agribusiness entrepreneurs through the acquisition of knowledge from experts.

  To achieve this goal, the project organized study tours for its farmers, introducing them to two successful farmers who have established thriving business entities through agriculture.

In the latest tour, selected IFAD/LIFE-ND farmers from eight Local Government Areas, who have already started their own farms, visited integrated farms in Bolorunduro, Akure North, and Igba Community in Ondo East.

 At Miracle Integrated Farms in Bolorunduro, the CEO, Mr. Babatunde Akande emphasized the timeless significance of farming, stating, "Farming is the only human activity that has been with man since the beginning and will continue to be essential. Anyone can choose to avoid other professions or businesses, but farming is indispensable. It ensures our survival. Regardless of one's position, status, or power, we all need food, and farmers are the producers."
Mr. Akande advised the farmers to continuously improve their farming knowledge by learning from those who have been in the business for a long time, noting that this approach has contributed to his success. He also cautioned them not to be discouraged by setbacks, which are inevitable in farming.
"There will be issues of disappointment with farm yields due to weather inconsistencies or loss of livestock. Stay resilient. These challenges are part of what every farmer experiences. Don’t run away because of them; you will become better farmers through such experiences," he said.

Mr. Akande encouraged young people to embrace farming, highlighting that it not only ensures food security but also creates job opportunities. "With farming, you have a guaranteed regular supply of food. I have many people working for me here. We feed ourselves here, and we sell to others. There is room for expansion, and all of you can reach this level too," he added.

At Ornament of Grace Farms in Igba Community, Ondo, Mrs. Oluwaniyi Flora emphasized that farming requires determination and persistence. She assured the farmers that growing their own food would significantly reduce their cost of living.

  Mrs. Oluwaniyi encouraged the group to start farming, either with livestock or vegetables, emphasizing that opportunities for expansion and increased income would follow.

The Ondo Project IFAD/LIFE-ND Coordinator, Mr. Olawale Ademola, who was represented by Mr. Gbenga Emmanuel, stated that the tour was organized to expose the farmers to different farming activities beyond their core chosen fields.

The farmers were taken around the farms to observe how pigs, goats, chickens, and fish are cared for. Additionally, they were guided through the process of planting vegetables, including when and how to apply pesticides and fertilizers.

The visitors expressed that the tour had positively impacted them, emboldening them to pursue farming despite any challenges. They also mentioned that their eyes had been opened to the numerous opportunities available in farming as a business.