By Josephine Abah
The Kogi State Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group on agroecology to develop a framework for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in the state.
The TWG was inaugurated at a meeting hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in partnership with the Cal-Maji Foundation.
The meeting drew stakeholders from government, academia and development organisations to explore how agroecology can be adapted to farming communities in the state.
Inaugurating the group, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojomah, said the move was part of the state’s strategy to transform agriculture and build resilient food systems.
He said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had prioritised food security, job creation and sustainable agriculture.
“Agroecology is not just about farming; it is farming with nature,” he said.
Ojomah explained that agroecology combines traditional knowledge with modern science to restore soil health, reduce dependence on chemical inputs, improve productivity and conserve biodiversity.
He said the approach would benefit smallholder farmers, women and youths.
The commissioner pledged policy and budgetary support for the programme and promised an enabling environment for collaboration among the private sector, NGOs, researchers and development partners.
He said agroecological principles would be integrated into agricultural programmes, including input distribution and farmer training.
He stated that the government would ensure the initiative reaches grassroots communities.
Presenting an overview of the concept, the Executive Director of Cal-Maji Foundation, Faith Ayegba, said agroecology promotes farming systems that work with nature.
She said it combines indigenous knowledge with scientific innovation to create local solutions while protecting soil health and biodiversity.
Ayegba called for reduced dependence on chemical inputs and stronger collaboration among government, farmers, researchers, civil society and the private sector.
She urged members of the TWG to review the draft framework and make recommendations for a Kogi-specific roadmap.
The Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olufeagba, was elected Chairman of the TWG, while Mr Abraham Ahmed, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, emerged as Secretary.
Stakeholders also deliberated on engagement, reporting and coordination mechanisms for the group.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings