Smallholder farmers in Ekebedi community, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, have received practical training on agroecology and organic farming practices aimed at reducing production costs and improving soil health.
Dr. Blessing Ada Ahamefule,
The outreach programme was carried out by the Deputy Dean, College of Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology and Extension (CAERSE), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Dr. Ahamefule Blessing, in collaboration with Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka. They described agroecology as a sustainable pathway for building resilient farming systems amid rising farm input costs and climate change challenges.
Speaking during the hands-on training, Dr. Ahamefule explained that unlike conventional farming systems that rely heavily on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, agroecology treats the farm as a living ecosystem and promotes environmentally friendly, low-input farming practices.
She said agroecology encourages farmers to work with nature rather than against it by adopting methods that improve soil fertility, protect biodiversity and enhance farmers’ livelihoods.
Dr. Ahamefule noted that many of the participating farmers complained about spending a significant portion of their earnings on chemical fertilizers and agrochemicals just to sustain their crops. According to her, the training introduced cost-effective and sustainable alternatives capable of reducing such expenses.
The programme featured practical demonstrations on the use of botanical pesticides such as neem and garlic extracts, composting techniques, compost teas, biochar production, crop rotation and cover cropping as natural ways to improve soil fertility and boost crop yield.
She explained that the training was deliberately designed to be practical so that farmers could easily replicate the techniques on their farms. Dr. Ahamefule added that farms transitioning from chemical-based systems to organic production may experience a temporary “detox” period as the soil gradually recovers.
However, she maintained that the long-term benefits include lower production costs, healthier crops, improved soil structure and the possibility of accessing premium markets driven by the increasing demand for chemical-free food.
Dr. Ahamefule further stressed that agroecology remains a key strategy for strengthening farmers’ resilience to climate change and fluctuating input prices, urging stakeholders to embrace sustainable agriculture as a pathway to a more secure and prosperous future for rural communities.
