A new chapter of development opened for farmers in Apomu community has LTI launched another rural co-working space that will change the face of agriculture in the area by creating synergy between the rural farmers and youths. The rural farmers, who trusted their age long farming techniques but never come to terms with the current realities such as climate change, market development and changes in human nutrition which eventually negatively affected their profitability. However, working hand-in-hand with youths who are equipped with scientific knowledge and conversant with current market realities can make improve their profitability while also creating livelihood opportunities for the participating youths.
LTI director of operations Mr. Titilayo Femi Kings inspecting the working space
To this end, a five acre modern farm has been initiated in Isola village within the Apomu area with our food forest concept and Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices. The farm, which was set up by LTI Sustainable Bootcamp participants and volunteers will serve as a model for farmers in the area. The five acres land with fully irrigated system was planted with different species of trees, tomatoes, pepper and cucumber while there is still plan of adding cabbage and fluted pumpkin in the plantation. Farmers in the area who are seeing an off seeing farming set up for the first time were however amazed at the possibility of such especially as the dry season is setting in fast. The farm which was set up with ability for production all year around will be used as the rural co-working space where youths and the rural farmers will work hand in gloves exchanging scientific knowledge with indigenous knowledge using Climate Smart Agriculture for healthy food production, job creation, and improved livelihood. In addition, the youths will engaged in value addition and marketing to reduce postharvest loss and increase the return value derived by the farmers.
The rural co-working space concept will not only improve farm productivity in the community but increase participation in agricultural value chains while opening up more opportunities along the value chains for the youths, women, and the rural farmers themselves.
