In celebration of this year’s World Farmers Day, the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, recently honored and supported farmers in the Ajanla community of Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital.
The event aimed to recognize the vital contributions of farmers to national development. Led by the College Provost, Dr. Ibraheem Lawal, and coordinated by the Department of Agricultural Extension and Management under Mrs. Omobolanle Oyewole, the program combined educational outreach, healthcare services, and agricultural empowerment.
A keynote lecture titled “Agroforestry and Climate Change: Coupling Security and Well-being” was delivered by Dr. O. J. Aluko and Dr. O.O. Abegunrin. The speakers emphasized the benefits of integrating trees into farming systems, explaining how agroforestry enhances biodiversity, improves soil fertility, and offers practical solutions to climate change. They also highlighted climate-smart agricultural practices as vital for food security, reducing vulnerability to unpredictable weather, and promoting socio-economic resilience in rural communities.
Alongside the academic sessions, a medical outreach provided farmers and their families with free health consultations, blood pressure screenings, basic medications, and counseling, reinforcing the connection between farmers’ health and national food security.
To encourage sustainable farming, the college distributed improved seeds and tree seedlings to the farmers, supporting the adoption of agroforestry methods and boosting farm productivity.
The event concluded with community leaders expressing gratitude to the farmers for their dedication and applauding initiatives that support agriculture, health, and environmental sustainability, underscoring the importance of investing in these areas for societal progress.
