APWEN unveils ‘home gardening’ scheme to aid food security — Features — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

The Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Prof Akindele Alonge, has challenged practicing engineers under the aegis of Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigerian (APWEN), Lagos chapter to get involved in modernising agriculture practice and production to tackle food insecurity.

He also charged Nigerians to embrace home gardening by practicing one form of agriculture or the other in their residential locations, noting that such practice requires less effort.

The don who was the keynote speaker at APWEN Lagos public lecture and Annual General Meeting (AGM), said Nigeria needs to do more in modernising agriculture practice by developing tools and equipment that aid farmers in tackling challenges. He also said education curriculum review was necessary and leveraging digital technology.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Empowering Nigerian women engineers and communities to promote sustainable agriculture solutions and food security in Nigeria’, he said engineers should improve value addition in the agriculture value chain by assisting in developing farming tools, make agriculture as a business to make money, feed friends and families.

He stressed the importance of promoting gender equality by not sidelining women in agric practice, ensuring access to resources like funding, land and technologies, monitoring and evaluation of impacts made in enhancing agriculture, community engagement and training of young Nigerians to be involved in farming activities, as well as in taking advantage of international funding opportunities for agriculture.

Chairman, APWEN Lagos Chapter, Atinuke Owolabi, said empowering Nigerian women engineers and communities to promote sustainable agricultural solutions and food security in Nigeria reflects APWEN’s commitment to addressing pressing issues and fostering growth.

Owolabi said in support of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu initiative of “Own a Garden” Competition, the association is excited to introduce the APWEN Lagos Home Gardening Initiative to tackle food insecurity.

“This initiative promotes essential skills for practical home gardening, focusing on empowering women engineers and local communities. It aims to enhance food security, encourage self-sufficiency, and foster environmental sustainability through practical and accessible gardening practices.

“The APWEN Lagos Home Gardening Initiative will promote sustainable practices, equip individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to establish and maintain home gardens, enhancing food security and promoting sustainable living,” she said.

The Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council, Oladotun Olakanle, noted that with recent hike in prices of food items across the country, it behooves all Nigerians to embrace home gardening as a form of agriculture practice to tackle food insecurity.

The Chief Executive Officer, Farm Fresh Agriculture Venture, Farmer Oyelekan Mufutau, also encouraged engineers to collaborate with machine fabricators and develop agriculture tools for farmers towards enhancing food production.