Forests & Farms: Sustainable Agriculture in Cross River
Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economic development of any nation. In Nigeria, there exists a distinct tribe known as the Bakor, comprising three autonomous communities in Ogoja (Ekajuk, Nkum, and Nkim) and six autonomous communities in Ikom (Nta, Nsele, Ofutop, Abaneyum, Nnem, and Nde), all located in Cross River State. The Bakor people primarily rely on agriculture, with yam being the dominant crop in their farms (yam is the king crop).
Sustainable agriculture is an essential practice for ensuring long-term food production while minimizing negative environmental impacts (Climate Change). One key aspect of sustainable agriculture is the responsible use of fertilizers. Fertilizers provide essential nutrients to crops, but if used improperly, they can lead to water pollution and soil degradation. To promote sustainable agriculture, EcoLearning farmers will adopt practices such as precision nutrient management, organic fertilizers, and crop rotation. Precision nutrient management involves analyzing soil nutrient levels and applying fertilizers in precise amounts and at the right time, reducing waste and environmental contamination. Organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, are derived from natural sources and release nutrients slowly, minimizing the risk of nutrient runoff. Crop rotation, the practice of growing different crops in sequence, helps maintain soil fertility by reducing the build-up of pests and diseases and improving nutrient availability. By implementing these sustainable practices, farmers can ensure the long-term productivity of their land while minimizing the negative impacts of fertilizers on our environment.
One major obstacle confronting the farmers is the lack of water or irrigation facilities, which restricts farming activities to the rainy seasons rather than allowing year-round cultivation.
To address the challenges faced by these farmers, EcoLearning Together is introducing sustainable agricultural practices and providing seedlings, fertilizer, and other necessary inputs to optimize yields. The aim is to ensure the appropriate application of fertilizer to farmlands without contributing to climate change.
Nevertheless, Farmers have accepted EcoLearning Together. Partnerships and have started activities in Ekajuk in Ogoja Local government of Cross River State Nigeria and we believe the project will help End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, End poverty in all its forms everywhere, Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by controlling the application of fertilizers, Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss and of all promote climate action.
With the growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable development, farmers around the world are increasingly embracing sustainable agricultural practices. In addition to responsible fertilizer use, sustainable agriculture encompasses various other principles to ensure the long-term health of ecosystems and the well-being of farming communities.
Crop Diversity and Agroforestry: Sustainable agriculture promotes crop diversity, which involves growing a variety of crops rather than relying solely on monoculture. Crop diversity helps to enhance soil fertility, control pests and diseases, and reduce the risk of crop failure. Agroforestry is another crucial aspect where trees are integrated into farming systems, providing multiple benefits such as improved soil health, carbon sequestration, and diversified income sources.
Conservation Tillage: Traditional agricultural practices involve intensive tillage, which can lead to soil erosion and loss of organic matter. Sustainable agriculture encourages conservation tillage methods, such as no-till or reduced tillage, to protect the soil structure, retain moisture, and sequester carbon.
Water Conservation: Water is a precious resource, and sustainable agriculture emphasizes efficient water management techniques. Drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and proper water storage systems help farmers optimize water usage and reduce wastage.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Instead of relying solely on chemical pesticides, sustainable agriculture promotes IPM, a holistic approach to pest and disease control. IPM involves the use of natural predators, crop rotation, and resistant crop varieties to manage pests while minimizing harmful impacts on the environment.
Conservation of Genetic Resources: Sustainable agriculture also focuses on preserving and utilizing traditional and local crop varieties, ensuring genetic diversity and resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Empowering Smallholder Farmers: In many parts of the world, smallholder farmers play a crucial role in food production. Sustainable agriculture initiatives aim to empower these farmers with knowledge, resources, and market access, improving their livelihoods and contributing to poverty alleviation.
Climate-Smart Agriculture: Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, leading to extreme weather events and altered growing conditions. Climate-smart agriculture integrates climate resilience strategies, adaptive practices, and innovative technologies to help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts.
By adopting these sustainable practices, the Bakor farmers and others around the world can build resilience in their agricultural systems, protect the environment, and ensure a stable and abundant food supply for future generations.
EcoLearning Together’s efforts in introducing sustainable agriculture to the Bakor community have the potential to transform their livelihoods positively. By emphasizing climate-friendly agricultural practices, providing necessary resources, and fostering partnerships, the project contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including zero hunger, poverty eradication, clean water and sanitation, climate action, and life on land.
As the EcoLearning initiative gains momentum and spreads its influence, it becomes an example of how sustainable agriculture can be a powerful catalyst for positive change in rural communities, not just in Nigeria but also in other regions facing similar challenges. The commitment of the Bakor farmers to embrace sustainable practices offers hope for a brighter, more sustainable future, where agriculture and the environment can thrive hand in hand. By nurturing this collaborative effort, we can pave the way for a resilient and food-secure world for generations to come.
