Stakeholders Chart Path for Agroecology Policy Development in Kogi »

as Government Pledges Support for Farmers and Sustainable Agriculture

A stakeholder engagement aimed at promoting Agroecology in Kogi State through policy development was held on Thursday October 23rd in Lokoja, with key actors from government, civil society, and the agricultural sector exploring ways to advance sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices in the state.

The meeting, organized by Cal-Maji Foundation in collaboration with TARA (Gather Nigeria), Chachavivi Girl Child Development Foundation, Smallholder Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON), and Barns Connect, received funding support from Heinrich Böll Stiftung.

In her welcome address, Faith Ayegba, Executive Director of Cal-Maji Foundation, highlighted several challenges confronting the agricultural sector in Kogi, including farmer, herder conflicts, poor access roads to farmlands, youth unemployment, recurrent flooding, environmental degradation, and illegal mining.

Ayegba explained that Agroecology farming that works in harmony with nature using traditional knowledge and science offers practical solutions to these problems. She emphasized that adopting Agroecological practices could enhance food security, create jobs for women and youths, and reduce the use of harmful chemicals in farming.

“Kogi is blessed with vast arable land that can serve as an organic hub if properly harnessed. Agroecology will not only improve soil health and productivity but also promote peace and sustainable livelihoods,” Ayegba said.

Declaring the event open, Hon. Timothy Ojoma, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, commended the organizers for their foresight and assured that the state government would continue to support initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture.

Hon. Timothy Ojoma – Com. for Agriculture

Ojoma said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to improving agricultural productivity through eco-friendly approaches, noting that the administration had already introduced a “50:50 approach” combining organic and inorganic farming practices.

“The recommendations from this engagement will be studied and aligned with the government’s agricultural policy framework, which already supports sustainable farming systems,” he assured.

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya MD Farouk, disclosed that the Ododo administration had begun implementing Agroecological principles through policies that encourage irrigation and all-year-round farming.

He added that the state’s ongoing dam revitalization projects would enhance irrigation infrastructure, improve food security, and promote safe farming practices.

Also speaking, Abiola Ebohen, Trustee and Program Director of TARA (Nigeria Foundation), presented the Agroecology Policy Action Plan and Roadmap Framework for Kogi State. She urged the government to domesticate Agroecological practices, describing them as vital for protecting lives, the environment, and long-term food systems.

The engagement also featured a panel discussion moderated by Halima Oiza, Executive Director of Chachavivi Girl Child Development Foundation, with contributions from civil society representatives, policymakers, farmers, and private sector players. Group sessions and presentations formed part of the event’s highlights.

Participants agreed on the need for stronger policy support, capacity building, and collaboration among stakeholders to make Kogi a model state for Agroecology in Nigeria.