By Dare Akogun
The Kwara Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project has concluded its community and stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop, urging farmers to avoid deforestation to prevent soil infertility and degradation.
The State Project Coordinator, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, gave the advice during a workshop held today in Malete, Moro Local Government Area, emphasizing the negative impact of deforestation on soil health and agricultural productivity.
Speaking through the Project Livestock Specialist, Mr. Abdullfatah Lekan Ambali, the Coordinator noted that preserving forest cover enhances soil organic matter, moisture content, and overall fertility, leading to higher productivity and reduced losses for farmers.
The sensitisation workshop was organized for women’s agricultural cooperatives and small-medium enterprises, focusing on climate-smart agricultural technologies to improve food security and environmental sustainability.
A resource person at the event, Mr. Gbadebo Elebiyo, highlighted the benefits of afforestation, explaining that planting trees can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequester carbon, and increase agricultural yield.
He also recommended planting cover crops to minimize the effects of sunlight, rainfall, and wind on soil erosion, degradation, and nutrient leaching.
The SAPZ project prioritizes the involvement of women and youths, ensuring at least 50% participation in the initiative to drive sustainable agricultural practices and economic empowerment in the state.
