From Ekundayo Idowu, Abeokuta

As the prices of food continue to skyrocket, nation-wide, Ogun State Head of Service (HoS), Kehinde Onasanya has advised civil servants in the state to engage in backyard farming.

He posited that this would serve as a means of complementing the efforts of the government in ensuring food security.

Onasanya made the call while delivering a keynote address at a capacity-building program for civil servants on backyard farming, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture in celebration of the year 2024 World Food Day, with the theme, “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future,” held at the Valley View Auditorium, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta.

According to him, workers’ involvement in the initiative will further underscore their commitment to the collective goal of food security in the state, as well as strengthen the capacity of households to contribute immensely to the larger economy.

The Head of Service said the training, which is aimed at equipping participants with the requisite knowledge and skills to actively engage in and navigate the complexities of backyard farming, is desirable as it would inculcate a culture of “grow what you eat.”

Reiterating the importance of backyard farming, Onasanya highlighted benefits including an increase in the availability of animal protein for household consumption, ensuring that families—especially children and nursing mothers—have access to a steady supply; boosting the intake of animal protein among families, which is critical for improving health and reducing malnutrition; and increasing the intake of vitamins, fibers, and antioxidants, which boost health and the immune system and equally aid digestion.

He emphasized that empowering the participants, who are not just administrators but managers, is essential to addressing the most pressing challenge of the moment: food security.

Regarding expected outcomes of backyard farming, the Head of Service stated that there is an anticipated 25% reduction in malnutrition rates among children and nursing mothers, which is a significant step toward improving the health of the next generation.

Other outcomes include continuous access to animal protein in a sustainable manner, an increase in household income as opportunities to sell surplus to boost overall well-being are high, and cost savings, as growing one’s food reduces grocery expenses. Additionally, the high tendency to eat fresh and organic produce from one’s garden ensures better control over one’s diet, thus keeping sickness at bay.

Earlier, in a welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in the State, Bolu Owootomo, said this year’s celebration, featuring a seminar on backyard farming for civil servants, will help conserve limited resources, feed families, and make food available to all, as well as provide raw materials for farmers’ use.

Appreciating the state government and all stakeholders for making the celebration a huge success, the Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, Kehinde Jokotoye, stated that the celebration aims to enhance the capacity of the workforce to bring food to all tables.

The highlight of the celebration was the symbolic presentation of farming seeds and fertilizer to some participants by the Head of Service and other dignitaries.