Improving Farmland through Regenerative Practices.
Mr. Frederick a corporate farmer in Iwukem Etim Ekpo, Akwa Ibom State, faced significant challenges managing his cocoa and cashew farms. Persistent issues with pests, particularly termites and black pod disease, severely impacted his crop yields. Seeking a solution, he contacted Zowasel. Friday Agbo, Zowasel’s senior agronomist, recommended transitioning from conventional farming to regenerative agriculture, aiming to restore soil health and boost productivity.
The collaboration with Mr. Frederick began with the dispatch of our agronomist team to assess his farmland.. The evaluation highlighted the need for a comprehensive soil test to determine the best course of action. The soil test revealed critical insights into the pH levels, nutrient content, and organic matter, providing a foundation for targeted interventions.
Armed with this data, we recommended and implemented a series of regenerative practices. These included cover cropping to prevent erosion, composting to enrich the soil, and crop rotation to minimize pests and diseases. Additionally, we treated the farmland by spraying termite repellents to control infestations, which had damaged the crops and weakened the soil structure. To combat black pod disease, we implemented preventive measures such as removing infected pods and applying appropriate fungicides. These combined efforts aimed to significantly improve soil health and ensure a more sustainable and productive agricultural environment.
According to UNDP, farmers in Nigeria are struggling with poor yields due to a lack of suitable farming inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, insufficient irrigation techniques, and inadequate harvesting and post-harvest methodologies, which hamper their overall productivity and climate adaptability. By rethinking approaches to farming, Nigeria can invest more effectively and protect agricultural communities while safeguarding livelihoods passed down through generations, thus sustainably creating a resilient food production sector.
Converting more land into farmland can help meet this need, but it is crucial to approach this expansion sustainably to avoid environmental and social impacts. Regenerative agriculture is a holistic farming approach that focuses on restoring and enhancing soil health, increasing biodiversity, and improving water cycles through sustainable practices.The goal is to create resilient agricultural ecosystems that can sustainably produce food while conserving natural resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Zowasel, an agricultural technology company, is committed to building sustainable value chains across communities, people, and the planet. By focusing on regenerative practices, Zowasel aims to promote sustainable farming to improve the productivity and livelihood of smallholder farmers.
In summary, turning barren farms into thriving farmlands is achievable through regenerative agriculture. By adopting sustainable practices and considering the social and environmental impacts of farmland expansion, we can create a more resilient and sustainable future for farmers like Mr. Frederick and the broader community.
Ready to take advantage of this service? Get in touch with us via email: marketplace@zowasel.com
