1 min
In this weeks Letter to my Farmers, Babatunde discusses the necessity of education about food production for understanding to be cultivated. Knowledge is an asset, and in order to appreciate food production and expand farmer's knowledge of food production, access to this knowledge should become more readily available.
Having sustainable growth in the agricultural sector is essential in sustaining the economy in developing countries. More importantly, possessing the knowledge of sustainable practices by smallholder farmers to ensure consistent production and conservation of natural resources are key assets to sustainable economic prosperity.
Furthermore, farmers' practises that are environmentally friendly should be promoted by the relevant stakeholders, and safe food should be consistently cultivated. This ensures that every production cycle follows good agricultural practices, increases productivity, improves environmental elements and protects the health and safety of the producers. Therefore, farmers must increase their literacy level by acquiring more knowledge, through different information platforms, and must embrace the adoption of simple technologies to increase their productivity. The willingness of farmers to seek knowledge increases their curiosity to understand the impact of such knowledge. Having reliable platforms where appropriate knowledge can be obtained within an affordable cost (in terms of accessibility, time frame, quality amongst others) will also be a great asset to increase farmers' knowledge and accepting the best practices. Wendell Berry once said "to be interested in food but not in food production is clearly absurd". So, the process of producing food should be more important than the end product itself.
Kano and Ogun State
In conclusion, actors in the private sector who are in the business of disseminating information to the farmers must fully understand the needs of the farmers. Their willingness to pay to access such information platforms is also important. Finally, the simplicity of the intended platforms to ensure that information provided are appropriate, easy to understand and mechanisms of feedback incorporated to ensure two-way communication. As we all have come to accept, information rules our world. Therefore, reliable information will guide our farmers to acknowledge appropriate knowledge for their production which moves us closer to achieving food security.
Yours-in-service
Babatunde
Furthermore, farmers' practises that are environmentally friendly should be promoted by the relevant stakeholders, and safe food should be consistently cultivated. This ensures that every production cycle follows good agricultural practices, increases productivity, improves environmental elements and protects the health and safety of the producers. Therefore, farmers must increase their literacy level by acquiring more knowledge, through different information platforms, and must embrace the adoption of simple technologies to increase their productivity. The willingness of farmers to seek knowledge increases their curiosity to understand the impact of such knowledge. Having reliable platforms where appropriate knowledge can be obtained within an affordable cost (in terms of accessibility, time frame, quality amongst others) will also be a great asset to increase farmers' knowledge and accepting the best practices. Wendell Berry once said "to be interested in food but not in food production is clearly absurd". So, the process of producing food should be more important than the end product itself.
Kano and Ogun StateIn conclusion, actors in the private sector who are in the business of disseminating information to the farmers must fully understand the needs of the farmers. Their willingness to pay to access such information platforms is also important. Finally, the simplicity of the intended platforms to ensure that information provided are appropriate, easy to understand and mechanisms of feedback incorporated to ensure two-way communication. As we all have come to accept, information rules our world. Therefore, reliable information will guide our farmers to acknowledge appropriate knowledge for their production which moves us closer to achieving food security.
Yours-in-service
Babatunde
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