Stakeholders in agriculture are championing the adoption of urban smart farming techniques to boost organic food production and transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
At a weekend training session on urban smart agriculture in Abuja, Chief Agbaji Chinedu of Ezocha Farm Services Ltd. launched a “10 million yam sack bag challenge” for women. He noted that the Federal Capital Territory possesses sufficient arable land to feed Nigeria and beyond.
The event was organised by the Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI) in partnership with Ezocha Farm Services Ltd. and Teleosgrande Farms. Its theme, “Nutritional Organic Food Security Collective Initiative”, was underscored by HSSI President Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, who urged Nigerians to join the challenge to advance nutritional food security, sustainable urban agriculture, and innovative techniques for farming in confined spaces.
Chief Agbaji further called on all citizens—especially women—to cultivate their own food at home rather than relying solely on traditional farmers. “With the little space you have, you can grow what you eat,” he said, arguing that this shift would help resolve the nation’s hunger crisis.
Delivering a lecture on the yam sack bag method, agricultural expert Engr. Francis Danlami highlighted that amid rising food insecurity, yam farming and its value chain present a lucrative investment opportunity with strong returns. He noted that Nigeria is the world’s largest yam producer, accounting for over 60% of global output and home to more than 600 yam species.
Participants—drawn from civil defence women’s groups, the Federal Ministries of Women Affairs, Education, and Agriculture, as well as various civil society organisations—received training on value addition, proper handling, and quality management practices for cultivating yam in backyards.
