Ogun Scales Up Community Farming to Boost Food Production and Reduce Poverty in the State

Ogun State has empowered 4,316 smallholder farmers with home gardening toolkits and improved planting materials under its Special Agro Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme. The initiative, flagged off in Odogbolu, aims to strengthen food security, enhance household income, and reduce poverty across rural communities.

Represented by Commissioner for Agriculture Bolu Owotomo, Governor Dapo Abiodun highlighted that the programme equips farmers with the tools and inputs needed to cultivate vegetables, fruits, and other crops even in small spaces. “This is not a handout but a seed of independence that can grow into a culture of productivity and self reliance,” Owotomo said.

The current phase covers Obafemi Owode, Odogbolu, Ijebu-East, and Yewa-North local government areas, with plans to expand to other councils. The programme particularly targets women, recognizing their key role in household nutrition and economic stability. Odogbolu Local Government has also donated 400 hectares of land to support landless youths and women in agribusiness.

Beneficiaries received seeds for okra, pepper, amaranthus, ewedu, pawpaw, and tomatoes, along with cocopeat, germination trays, grow bags, organic fertilizers, insecticides, and gardening tools. Training was provided to ensure effective use and quality yields.

The SAPZ initiative, implemented in partnership with the African Development Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Islamic Development Bank, and Ogun State Government, underscores the state’s commitment to poverty reduction, sustainable agriculture, and community-driven food security.