Emmanuel O. Kolawole, an author at the ebook app MoboReader, has launched an initiative titled “A Sustainable Living for a Better Tomorrow” to reignite youth engagement in agriculture across Nigeria. Focused on diverse agricultural sectors—crop production, livestock, aquaculture, and horticulture—the initiative envisions long-term benefits for Nigerian citizens and aims to build connections between youth and agricultural experts through specialized workshops.
In an exclusive interview with Agrotech Space, Kolawole discusses his vision, emphasizing collaboration with experienced farmers and agricultural investors to provide technical and financial support for young participants, especially in rural areas. Excerpts of the interview:
Q. Can you elaborate on your vision for this initiative and what specific goals you aim to achieve in revitalizing youth interest in agriculture?
A. My goal is to create long-term benefits for citizens in Nigeria and beyond by revitalizing interest in agriculture across various sectors: crop production (grains, fruits, vegetables), livestock production (meat, dairy, poultry), aquaculture (fish, seafood), and horticulture (nurseries, floriculture). Many nations have drifted away from agriculture, leaving youth jobless and uncertain about their future. Through this initiative, I aim to establish workshops for young people interested in reconnecting with agriculture, inviting both local and international experts to share knowledge. This approach will inspire youth to recognize the transformative potential of agriculture and reignite their enthusiasm for this impactful field.
Q. What key outcomes do you hope to see as a result of merging creativity and nature within this project?
A. I believe we each have innate creativity, yet many of us hesitate to tap into it, leaving this potential dormant. This project aims to awaken that creativity by revealing how we can co-create with nature. Through training sessions led by global experts, participants will be able to access their natural creativity. There’s a spark of creativity within us all, waiting to be ignited. Creativity is endless—it evolves, deeply connected with nature, where its roots lie. With my own experience in nature, I can help spark creativity in others, fostering personal growth, hope, and resilience worldwide. This project aims to reduce living costs, empower individuals to grow their own food, and ultimately lessen hunger. By merging creativity and nature, I hope to achieve these transformative outcomes.
Q. How will the initiative transform agriculture and support young farmers through sustainable practices, innovation, and economic and environmental sustainability?
A. I envision this initiative transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and empowering young farmers by addressing the needs of less privileged but creative individuals. Key sustainable practices will include crop rotation to maintain soil fertility, cover cropping to prevent erosion, organic farming to reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, agroforestry to integrate trees into farming systems, and polyculture to support biodiversity. These practices will address environmental issues, promote recycling, and enhance economic sustainability through strategic partnerships. Innovation and technology will be integral, introducing improved methods to streamline production, boost efficiency, and ultimately add value within the agricultural sector.
Q. Who do you envision as the primary participants in this program, and how do you plan to engage young people, particularly in rural areas, to participate?
A. The initiative targets committed young individuals and established communities to foster support and build partnerships. As the project gains stability, it aims to attract more youth interested in agriculture by engaging them through effective communication, community awareness, and practical benefits. Activities such as public meetings, workshops, and farmer field schools will provide hands-on training, with the involvement of local leaders and influencers to reinforce community support.
Q. How do you see established farmers contributing to this initiative, and what support and resources do you seek from them and agricultural investors?
A. Established farmers will be essential to this initiative, helping to ease individual challenges and expand opportunities for participation. Their contributions in technical assistance, financial support, community engagement, infrastructure, policy advocacy, and networking will drive the project forward.
Support from agricultural philanthropists and investors is also crucial, particularly for grants to cover startup costs, capacity building, and emergency funding for climate-related crises. In-kind resources like expert guidance, equipment donations, and market access are equally valuable. I am actively seeking collaborations and partnerships on local, national, and potentially international levels, especially with organizations known for strong leadership.
Q. What challenges do you anticipate in promoting sustainable agriculture among the youth, and how do you plan to address them?
A. Beyond climate disasters and individual differences, the main challenges are limited. By equipping youth with proper training, fostering understanding, and instilling a sense of responsibility, I can effectively promote agriculture among them. Open communication will be key to engaging and addressing their needs.
Q. What are your long-term aspirations for this initiative, plans for scaling beyond Nigeria, contributions to global sustainability, and strategies for adapting to different agricultural contexts?
A.This initiative has the potential for significant growth, driven by efficient, patient efforts to impact lives locally and internationally. The plan includes expanding throughout Nigeria and reaching other regions with like-minded individuals dedicated to creating a better future. By establishing a global presence and forming alliances, we aim to address agricultural challenges worldwide. Adaptation to different contexts will be achievable through global connections and collaboration with agronomists, leveraging farmers’ inherent adaptability across diverse situations.
Q. What global agricultural trends or challenges are you particularly interested in addressing through this initiative?
A. The key global agricultural trends this initiative aims to address include sustainable agriculture, emphasizing practices that prioritize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. Digital agriculture will play a significant role, utilizing technologies such as precision farming and blockchain to enhance production efficiency and streamline distribution. Climate-smart agriculture is also a focus, with strategies that mitigate climate change impacts and adapt to shifting weather patterns. Urban agriculture, aimed at cultivating food within cities to improve accessibility and reduce transportation emissions, is another priority. Additionally, the development of alternative proteins, such as plant-based and insect-based protein sources, represents a sustainable approach that aligns with the initiative’s goals.
Q. How does the project align with global goals, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and how can international collaboration enhance its impact?
A. The “Sustainable Life for a Better Tomorrow” project aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses SDG 1: No Poverty by enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing poverty, and SDG 2: Zero Hunger by improving food security for vulnerable populations. The project promotes efficient water management, supporting SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. It also advances SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy by advocating for renewable energy in agriculture, creates jobs to fulfill SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and encourages sustainable practices to support SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Additionally, the initiative tackles SDG 13: Climate Action through climate-resilient agriculture and conserves biodiversity in alignment with SDG 15: Life on Land. International collaboration will further enhance the initiative’s impact by providing essential support and resources.