In an effort to enhance agricultural engagement, Emmanuel O. Kolawole, an author at an ebook app, MoboReader, from Lagos, Nigeria, has launched “A Sustainable Living for a Better Tomorrow,” an initiative aimed at reigniting youth interest in farming and sustainable agricultural practices. In an interview with Agrotech Space, Emmanuel emphasized that this project tackles a pressing issue: the declining engagement of young people in agriculture, driven by a lack of support, guidance and awareness of the sector’s potential.
Vision and Goals
Kolawole’s vision for this initiative is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of agriculture’s multifaceted nature. He envisions long-term benefits that encompass various agricultural domains, including:
- Crop Production: Focusing on the cultivation of grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Livestock Production: Promoting practices related to meat, dairy, and poultry.
- Aquaculture: Encouraging sustainable fish and seafood farming.
- Horticulture: Developing nurseries and floriculture.
In his view, the current economic landscape has led many youths to feel hopeless and disconnected from nature. “By creating workshop training sessions and inviting local and international agricultural experts, we can provide the guidance and resources needed to inspire the younger generation,” Kolawole explained. His goal is to reignite their passion for agriculture, showing them how it can significantly improve their lives and contribute to their communities.
Merging Creativity with Nature
Central to Kolawole’s initiative is the belief that creativity and agriculture can coexist and even thrive together. He argues that many individuals are unaware of their creative potential, which remains dormant without proper encouragement. “This project aims to be an eye-opener, igniting the creative spark within participants,” he stated.
Through a series of training sessions, Kolawole plans to help young people discover their innate creativity, which can lead to innovative agricultural solutions and sustainable practices. He envisions a model where participants not only learn technical skills but also engage in artistic endeavors that celebrate the beauty and importance of nature.
Sustainable Practices and Innovation
Kolawole’s initiative will implement several sustainable agricultural practices that he has researched over the years. Key methods include:
- Crop Rotation: A technique to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest infestations.
- Cover Cropping: Planting cover crops to protect the soil from erosion.
- Organic Farming: Avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to promote healthier ecosystems.
- Agroforestry: Integrating trees into farming systems to enhance biodiversity.
- Poly-culture: Growing multiple crops together to increase resilience and productivity.
These practices aim to address both environmental concerns and economic sustainability for farmers. Kolawole highlights the importance of innovation and technology, asserting that modern tools and techniques can streamline production and enhance overall efficiency in farming.
Engaging the Youth
A critical component of Kolawole’s initiative is its focus on engaging youth, particularly in rural areas where agricultural knowledge and resources may be scarce. He plans to implement various strategies to attract and involve young participants:
- Community Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the benefits of agriculture and available opportunities.
- Workshops and Training Sessions: Offering hands-on training that emphasizes practical skills.
- Farmer Field Schools: Establishing educational programs in local communities that allow for direct engagement with experienced farmers.
- Collaboration with Local Leaders: Involving community influencers to garner support and encourage participation.
Read more: KhetiValah Global Agri Conclave 2024: Revolutionizing Sustainable Agriculture for a Resilient Future
Kolawole believes that established farmers can play a vital role in this initiative by sharing their expertise and mentoring young aspirants. He is seeking technical assistance, financial support, and infrastructure collaboration from experienced farmers to create a robust support network.
Future Aspirations
Looking to the future, Kolawole envisions expanding the initiative beyond Nigeria, with aspirations for a global impact. He emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in addressing global agricultural challenges, such as food insecurity and climate change. “By forming alliances and sharing knowledge across borders, we can tackle these pressing issues more effectively,” he noted.
The initiative aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses SDG 1: No Poverty by enhancing agricultural productivity to uplift rural communities. In terms of SDG 2: Zero Hunger, the project aims to increase access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations. Additionally, it supports SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by promoting efficient water management practices. The initiative also contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by creating job opportunities through sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, it encourages responsible agricultural practices and reduces waste in line with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Finally, the initiative is committed to SDG 13: Climate Action by developing climate-resilient agricultural strategies.
Call to Action
Kolawole is actively seeking support from agricultural philanthropists and investors, inviting them to join his vision. He believes that financial support can take many forms, including grants for startup funding, capacity-building programs, and in-kind resources such as technical assistance and equipment donations.
Emmanuel O. Kolawole’s “A Sustainable Living for a Better Tomorrow” initiative stands as a beacon of hope for revitalizing agriculture in Nigeria. By bridging the gap between youth and farming through creativity, education, and sustainable practices, Kolawole aims to empower the next generation of farmers to build a prosperous and sustainable future. “Together, we can make a significant impact and help build a better Nigeria,” he asserted, calling for collective action to ensure a thriving agricultural landscape for years to come.
Watch out for the complete interview.