The Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, recently honoured and assisted farmers in the Ajanla village in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, in observance of this year’s World Farmers Day.

The event aimed to raise awareness of farmers’ critical role in a country’s growth.

The College’s provost, Dr. Ibraheem Lawal, spearheaded the programme, which was coordinated by the Department of Agricultural Extension and Management, which Mrs. Omobolanle Oyewole led.

It featured a blend of educational outreach, healthcare services, and agricultural empowerment to honour and uplift local farmers.

A central feature of the day was a keynote lecture, “Agroforestry and Climate Change: Coupling Security and Well-being”, delivered by Dr. O. J. Aluko and Dr. O.O. Abegunrin.

The lecture emphasised the benefits of integrating trees into farming systems. 

The speakers highlighted how agroforestry enhances biodiversity, improves soil fertility, and serves as a practical approach to mitigating climate change. 

They further explained how climate-smart agricultural practices can improve food security, reduce vulnerability to erratic weather patterns, and promote socio-economic resilience in rural areas.

A medical outreach program was organised for the farmers and their families in addition to the academic sessions. 

The program included basic drugs, health counselling, blood pressure checks, and health consultations at no cost. This portion reaffirmed that national food security and agricultural output directly affect farmers’ health.

The college gave the farmers tree seedlings and enhanced seeds to encourage the adoption of sustainable farming methods. 

These incentives were offered to increase overall farm yields and promote adoption of the agroforestry practices covered in the lecture.

Source: Tribune Online

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