Food Security: Japanese Agency Trains Oyo, Lagos Farmers In Aquaponics

A Japanese agency in Nigeria, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has trained some farmers in Aquaponics, a technology that combines fish and vegetable production in a single system.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training, held on Monday, at the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), had farmers from Oyo and Lagos States as participants.

JICA Senior Programme Officer, Dr Umar Halilu, said the training was aimed at enhancing food security, farmers’ income and quality of life.

According to Halilu, the environmentally friendly technology is advantageous in reducing water wastage and saving costs.

“The system purifies itself and the clean water returns from the plant to the fish; so, water is not wasted.

“Another advantage is that the process ensures a clean environment,” he said.

The officer said the training, organised in partnership with Kakehashi Africa Nigeria Initiative (KANI), was its third, following earlier organised ones in Benue and Abuja.

Commending the initiative, the president of KANI, Dr Boluwatife Sarumoh, urged participants to key into it.

In her remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food System, Mrs Abisola Olusanya, praised JICA for the training.

Olusanya, represented by the ministry’s Deputy Director, Mr Akeem Olajobi, said, “It will encourage inter-state and international collaboration.

“The training will also contribute to the overall development of agriculture in Nigeria, as well as build youth capacity in technology and the sharing of new ideas.”

The Director-General of OYSADA, Dr Debo Akande, applauded JICA for the training, believing it would improve farmers’ knowledge of the technology and, subsequently, their livelihood.

NAN reports that the participants were trained in aquaponics design, installation, operations, and maintenance.