A non-governmental organisation, YouthHubAfrica has trained 80 youth in the Federal Capital Territory on agroecology.
The youth, who participated in the training, were selected from Waru, Dukpa, Bwari, Garki, New Jerusalem and Kabusa communities.
The participants were selected based on their access to farmland and willingness to engage in long-term agricultural ventures.
Executive Director, YouthHubAfrica, Rotimi Olawale, called for the adoption of agroecology as a sustainable approach to tackling Nigeria’s food insecurity, youth unemployment and rising inflation.
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Olawale, at a policy and practice dialogue themed: “Strengthening the Network of Actors for the Promotion of Agroecology in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)” organised in collaboration with ActionAid, said the training focused on the cultivation of ugu (fluted pumpkin), and included support in the form of seedlings, farm demonstrations, market linkages, and ongoing extension services.
“We conducted hands-on practical sessions, guided them on the farm, and helped them connect their produce to markets. The results from the two batches have been encouraging,” he added.
He also highlighted the importance of peer learning, noting that participants are encouraged to mentor others in their communities.
He expressed optimism that with consistency and proper investment, youth-led agroecological businesses can thrive and help reduce poverty.
Olawale said the policy meeting was aimed at building collaboration among key stakeholders—including youth groups, women’s associations, policymakers, and government institutions—to promote agroecological practices in the FCT.
Programme Advisor, ActionAid Blessing Ifemenam, said the dialogue was part of the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) project focused on strengthening agroecology networks across Nigeria.
She said: “This gathering is about reinforcing the network of actors promoting agroecology. Climate change is real, and industrial farming significantly impacts the environment.”
One of the participants, Mariam Ogwuche, said: “As an advocate for climate justice, I knew the harm synthetic fertilizers cause to the ecosystem. But this training taught me how to produce organic fertiliser using cow dung, cow urine, and other natural materials. I didn’t know it was possible until I did it myself,” she said.