By Chukwudi | RUWAI Sensitizes Ija Pada Farmers on Agroforestry
Recently, a team from the Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) visited the Ija Pada farming community for a sensitization workshop on agroforestry practices. The visit formed part of RUWAI’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental restoration, and improving the livelihoods of rural farmers.
The workshop served a dual purpose: to raise awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of agroforestry and to demonstrate the proper setting out of farmlands in preparation for the upcoming planting season.
In attendance were several local farmers who not only participated actively in the session but also donated portions of their farmland for the project. Among those present were:
Together, these farmers contributed a total of 17 hectares.
In addition, several other farmers who could not attend the session also offered their land for the project. These include Daniel Musa, Isaac M. Luka, Samuel Musa, Salihu Shama, Aliyu M. Umar, Prince Ondo Sarki, Musa Debuli, Ayuba Bawa, Yakubu Kizali, Ezekiel Shagi, and Haruna Kwara, each contributing an average of one hectare. Altogether, the total land area made available for the project exceeded 30 hectares, spread across different parts of the community.
During the sensitization, Mr. Chukwudi, a RUWAI representative, outlined the environmental and economic importance of agroforestry, emphasizing how the initiative would create employment opportunities for youth and women, generate income for farmers, and enhance community development. He explained that if the farmers succeeded in producing crops in abundance, it could attract the establishment of a cottage industry within the community, further strengthening local livelihoods.
The session featured an engaging question-and-answer segment, during which Mr. Luka T. Magaji inquired about the sharing formula for project proceeds. Some participants also raised concerns about potential disruptions from herders. The RUWAI team addressed these issues comprehensively, assuring the farmers of continuous collaboration and support.
After the discussion, the team, accompanied by local farmers, visited the various farmlands earmarked for the project. On-site, RUWAI representatives demonstrated planting patterns, spacing methods, and other essential agroforestry techniques to ensure uniformity and best practices.
The farmers expressed readiness to commence planting immediately, noting the need to take advantage of the remaining rainfall. It was unanimously agreed that the planting exercise would take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, with the farmers mobilizing additional labor to support the effort.
To ensure smooth execution, it was recommended that between 3,000 and 5000 seedlings be made available early on the planting day to enable the team to complete the activity efficiently.
The RUWAI Tree Nursery and Demonstration farm otherwise known as the Resilience Center continue to raise quailty seedlings,train farmers, and equip young people to become the change they want to see. Your continued donation/support to this cause is well appreciated.
The sensitization workshop ended on a positive note, with participants taking a group photograph to mark the event. The visit not only strengthened RUWAI’s partnership with the Ija Pada community but also reinforced the collective vision of promoting sustainable land use, improving livelihoods, and building resilience through agroforestry.
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