Agriculture

World Food Day: Niger farmers celebrate event in style

As part of the activities to mark the 2024 World Food Day, One Acre Fund Nigeria on Tuesday,15th October 2024 celebrated agricultural achievements at a Mega Harvest Day event in Duma Community, in Lapai, Local Government Area of Niger.

This special event showcased the abundant yields achieved through improved seed varieties, modern farming methods, and partnerships aimed at boosting productivity. It served as a testament to One Acre Fund’s continued commitment to empowering smallholder farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance productivity and secure better livelihoods for rural communities.

The Mega Harvest Day featured a tour of demonstration plots where farmers displayed their bountiful harvests, thanks to the use of high-quality maize and rice seeds, fertilizers, and best agricultural practices.

These plots, developed in collaboration with SeedCo, a leading agricultural company specializing in high-yielding and climate-resilient seeds, highlighted the positive impacts of these innovations on local farming.

Farmers shared their success stories, expressing pride in the substantial improvements in their yields compared to previous seasons, when they faced challenges like low productivity, pest infestations, and poor-quality seeds.

A key highlight of the event was a friendly competition among farmers, who presented their best maize yields, evaluated based on the height of the stalks and the weight of the maize cobs. Prizes were awarded to top-performing farmers in recognition of their dedication to adopting improved farming practices.

The winner of this year’s maize harvest competition, William Audu, shared his joy, saying, “Before One Acre Fund came, farming was difficult. We barely had enough to eat, let alone sell at the market. Today, I have harvested more than I ever thought possible, highlighting that, “This program has changed my life and my family’s future.”

The event brought together stakeholders from across Niger State, including representatives from the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, local government officials, traditional leaders, and agricultural experts.

They convened to discuss opportunities for scaling successful practices throughout the state and explore how sustainable agriculture can drive rural development and food security.

The Village Head of Maikunkele, in Bosso LGA of the State, Alhaji Suleiman Abdullahi Dada, lauded One Acre Fund’s impact on the community.

“Our farmers now have access to seeds, fertilizers, and knowledge that were once beyond our reach. With these, we can farm more successfully and contribute to food security, not just in Lapai but across Niger State,” he remarked.

One Acre Fund’s Field Operations Lead, Emmanuel Bamgboye, emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving the organization’s mission, emphasizing that “this Mega Harvest Day is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of our farmers, who have shown that with the right tools, knowledge, and support, they can produce enough food for their families and beyond. Our goal is to continue partnering with farmers and key stakeholders to drive sustainable agriculture, combat hunger, and lift communities out of poverty.

“We must continue to work hand in hand with local leaders, government officials, and our farmers to ensure that these gains are sustained. Our journey is justbeginning, and we are committed to building a resilient food system,” Bamgboye further explained.

Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Niger State Chapter, Alhaji Shehu Garba Galadima, expressed enthusiasm for deepening collaborations with One Acre Fund to reach more farmers.

“What we have seen today is proof that with proper support, Niger State can become a hub for agricultural productivity. We are eager to continue working with One Acre Fund to extend these benefits to more communities and more farmers across the state,” he declared.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that his celebration of harvests serves as a prelude to the global observance of World Food Day, which focuses on the importance of food as a fundamental right.

Meanwhile, One Acre Fund Nigeria’s Mega Harvest Day highlights the organization’s efforts in ensuring that smallholder farmers not only have access to food but can also contribute to food security for the larger community.

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