My project is aimed at educating and encouraging rural farmers on best use of farm inputs, effect of pests and diseases on the crops, processing and storage of farm produce to effective marketing of the produce/ product. Most times, due to the damage and effect of pests and diseases respectively, there is loss in utility of crop due to reduce yield quality, quantity and aesthetics which does not meet the market demand.
The main objective of this project is to effect change in the system of farming which is basically subsistence (meeting only the needs of the family) to commercial ( meeting the needs of a larger population). Different strategic plan has been put to place to achieve this objectives. Firstly, equipping the small scale farmers with necessary information such as the best farming method, management options, harvesting and post - harvest methods that will result to a better yield and continuous availability of food. This has been achieved through interaction and creating rapport with the farmers via on- farm visit, home visit, office visit and telephone calls thus identifying there felt need rather than perceived need and working interchangeably with them.
Secondly, due to the fact that most of these small scale farmers live in rural areas and are uneducated, they find it difficult to get access to farm inputs and most times the cost of this farm inputs scares them away. Therefore, provisions will be made where these farmers can easily access farm inputs such as improved varieties of seeds, fertilizers and farm implements at a much subsidized rate and also at an appropriate time.
Thirdly, the most pressing challenge facing the local farmers is the processing and storage of their farm produce and this can be achieved by educating the farmers on different storage methods and most importantly building of some processing and storage facilities at different strategic points in this localities where most of the perishable produce can be easily converted to by- products and keep into storage. Access will also be made for transporting these farm outputs from the farm to the point of processing or storage.
The last but not the least of this project is to increase the market chain of these farmers by creating an online stores where these produce will be marketed via the internet and telephone. Also access will be made for product delivery such as home delivery services, offices and institutional delivery services.
We have started gradually in two communities in Ibadan, where we educate the farmers on the prevalent challenges they are facing.