Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), in partnership with Women Environmental Programme (WEP) trained local farmers in Kabusa village, Abuja, FCT, on the production and use of organic fertilisers and pesticides in commemoration of World Water Day 2022.
The training programme held on the 29th of March 2022 at Chief Palace, Kabusa, Abuja.
The event aimed to prevent groundwater pollution from chemical fertilisers and pesticides in line with the theme of the 2022 World Water Day: Groundwater – making the invisible visible, which had the objective of sustainable management of groundwater.
The 22nd of March every year is commemorated as World Water Day. The day highlights the importance of fresh water and advocates for sustainable management of freshwater resources.
The event conglomerated over thirty (30) community members of Kabusa village comprising males and females, the organising team members, and respected community chiefs.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Kabusa village – Chief Bitrus Ashafi welcomed CSDevNet, WEP and partners. He also welcomed all the participants and enjoined them to pay rapt attention to the training. Similarly, a member of WEP team, Tracy Dzungwe welcomed everyone as she explained the purpose of the event.
“We are holding this event to commemorate the 2022 World Water Day. It’s no news that life would not be possible without water as everyone depends entirely on it for drinking, sanitation, food production and industrial processes; it is also critically important to the healthy functioning of ecosystems, such as wetlands and rivers,” Tracy said.
“We must protect our water from overexploitation and the pollution that currently haunts them particularly, the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, since it can lead to the depletion of this resource, extra-costs of processing it, and sometimes even preventing its use. Exploring, protecting and sustainably using water will be central to surviving and adapting to climate change and meeting the needs of a growing population,” she added.
Before proceeding to the practical training, a video on the dangers of chemical fertilisers and pesticide was played for enlightening and the viewing pleasure of the participants. The video highlighted many dangers that the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides have on groundwater, soil organisms, air and human health. It also prepared the needed background for the training.
The practical training on the production of organic fertiliser and pesticides was delivered by Mr John Baaki. He took the participants through the process of using neem leaves and seeds to produce organic fertiliser and pesticides.
In his lecture, he said, “Organic fertiliser and pesticide improve soil fertility, soil nutrient cycling, structure and texture as opposed to chemical fertilisers and pesticides which destroy soil microorganisms, contaminate groundwater and cause several negative health effects in humans”
“To produce organic fertiliser which also doubles as pesticide from neem leaves, the following simple process is followed: get fresh neem leaves from a neem tree; wash the leaves to remove the dirt; pound or grind the leaves; soak the leaves in water and filter after 24 hours; use the liquid as fertiliser and pesticide by spraying on leaves and stems of plants; use the residue as fertiliser by spreading it around the stems of crops; for it to be effective, the organic fertiliser should be applied 4 times giving an interval of 2 weeks before the crops are allowed,” Baaki added.
Furthermore, Mr John demonstrated the process and got some participants to carry out the hands-on experiment. He also gave participants room to ask questions.
Participants were full of joy, having gained new knowledge that would reduce the economic burden of their farming activities while improving their health and protecting the environment from degradation.
They also appreciated CSDevNet and WEP for choosing Kabusa village to commemorate World Water Day 2022.
In his closing remark, Mr Danlami Auwmbeye who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Kabusa commended the organisers for the time and resources invested in teaching them how to prepare organic fertilisers and pesticides.
According to Mr Danlami, money used by the villagers to purchase organic fertilisers and pesticides will be saved and used for something profitable.
Additionally, all participants departed high spirits with promises of putting what they were taught to practice.
