By Faridat Salifu
More than 600 farmers in Cross River State are shifting towards environmentally friendly farming methods following a large-scale capacity building programme led by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).
The initiative, which trained 640 farmers across several communities, is already influencing how local farmers approach soil management, pest control, and water use in response to climate pressures.
Participants said the training marked a departure from conventional practices, exposing them to cost-effective and sustainable alternatives such as composting and organic inputs that reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers.
The programme also introduced farmers to efficient irrigation techniques designed to minimise water waste and sustain crop production despite unpredictable rainfall patterns.
NCF said the intervention is targeted at reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture while improving productivity and resilience among smallholder farmers.
The organisation warned that continued dependence on unsustainable methods could accelerate land degradation and weaken food systems if urgent action is not taken.
Farmers who took part in the training expressed confidence that the new methods would not only improve yields but also lower production costs in the long term.
Stakeholders say scaling such grassroots interventions will be key to strengthening Nigeria’s food systems as climate change continues to reshape agricultural realities.
