As part of efforts to boost food security and increase access to affordable fresh food across Lagos State, the State government through the Ministry of Agriculture and the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, LSADA, has called on Lagos residents to embrace the practice of urban farming as one of the ways to attain food sufficiency.
Speaking at the official launch of Urban Agriculture in Lagos State, at LSADA Training Room , Oko Oba, Agege, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, explained that the launch is to sensitize Lagos residents that they can practice urban farming despite the challenge of limited landmass being faced in different quarters across the State.
According to her, urban farming aligns perfectly with one of the developmental agenda of the current administration under THEMES agenda, which is Making Lagos a 21st century economy through food security.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Hakeem Adeniji, the Commissioner pointed out that Lagos residents could use waste buckets, waste tires or waste bags filled with soil to plant some edible vegetables.
The Commissioner said : “Urban farming helps stimulate the local economy through job creation, income generation, and the growth of small businesses. More importantly, urban farming makes fresh food more affordable. It is fast becoming an important component of a city’s
food system.
Urban Farming is an agricultural revolution which has taken off in some developed countries to solve food insecurity, local food promotion and urban sustainability efforts. Among the most pressing needs of any urban agglomeration is to achieve food security and one of the ways to achieve this is by supporting and recognizing the economic, environmental and social benefits which urban farming offers”.
She added that Urban Farming also has the potential to nourish farming household, communities and create economic opportunities.
The Programme Manager, LSADA, Dr Olamilekan Pereira-Sheteolu, who noted that the launch of the State Urban Farming is coming at a right time given the increase in the prices of food, said Lagosians can use the little spaces in their compounds to plant foods.
Dr Pereira-Sheteolu announced that very soon, the Agency would roll out a phone number that people can call for assistance on urban farming in their environment, while in the next phase of the Urban Farming programme, plans are being made to assist residents with seeds, show them how to plant and rear fishes and do poultry in their compounds.
“Over reliance on food coming into the state will be reduced to the nearest minimum and people will not always have to go to the market to buy food items every time, thereby more resources would be conserved for other purposes. “This flagship will take Lagos State to greater height,” he said.
