1 min
In agriculture, sustainable farming production can only be achieved when a farmer identifies and understands the components of the ecosystem where production occurs and the importance of balancing the ecosystem to achieve higher productivity. Without this knowledge, successful farming production cannot be achieved. Interestingly, there are several components that need to be addressed by the farmer to succeed.
Firstly, soil is the soul of food, without it the majority of the farmers cannot cultivate. (Although there are different planting media that can be used now besides soil, it is still the most common in the Africa communities). For a seed to live its full potential, it means there is a good and nutritious soil providing all the required nutrients for its establishment and growth. Every farmer needs to maintain the soil quality by enhancing and improving it consistently, thus, the soil needs to be "alive" to function well. Aside from the soil, biological diversity (Biodiversity) is an asset that helps to improve productivity. A farmer must maintain a considerable population of living organisms (such as plants or trees, beneficial insects, microorganisms amongst others) on the farm. Rivers or water bodies are important biodiversity elements that must not be destroyed, contaminated or tampered with. These and other structures make up the ecosystem that a farmer needs to maintain, as they have roles played at the different stages of the crop life.
Every stakeholder has a role to play in making agriculture work in the developing countries. Creating awareness at the village level to expose them to the importance of the ecosystem and identify practices that improve the system such as intercropping systems, green manuring, minimum tillage, planting of trees, the use of eco-friendly pesticides etc. Also, continuous support to the farmers to access relevant information that helps to improve productivity through tailored soil testing services that help to improve soil quality. A farmer is not just producing food but also a custodian of the ecosystem where the food is produced. Without the right system being put in place, food production could become a dilemma. We need to provide the support needed for the farmers to better connect to their environment for us to achieve higher productivity and food security.
Without a balanced ecosystem, food security becomes a dream that only exists in the mind of all. For it to be a reality and a lived experience, we all need to be involved in caring for the environment. It is not just one person's business but everyone's business. Let us all be INVOLVED.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde Olerewaju
Every stakeholder has a role to play in making agriculture work in the developing countries. Creating awareness at the village level to expose them to the importance of the ecosystem and identify practices that improve the system such as intercropping systems, green manuring, minimum tillage, planting of trees, the use of eco-friendly pesticides etc. Also, continuous support to the farmers to access relevant information that helps to improve productivity through tailored soil testing services that help to improve soil quality. A farmer is not just producing food but also a custodian of the ecosystem where the food is produced. Without the right system being put in place, food production could become a dilemma. We need to provide the support needed for the farmers to better connect to their environment for us to achieve higher productivity and food security.
Without a balanced ecosystem, food security becomes a dream that only exists in the mind of all. For it to be a reality and a lived experience, we all need to be involved in caring for the environment. It is not just one person's business but everyone's business. Let us all be INVOLVED.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde Olerewaju
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