WEP partners with CSDEVNET to train local farmers on organic fertilizers and pesticides

Women Environmental Programme (WEP) partnered with the Climate & Sustainable Development Network Nigeria (CSDEVNET) to train local farmers how to make organic fertilizers and pesticides. The event, which took place in Kabusa area of Abuja on March 29^th 2022, drew a large number of farmers who were eager to learn how to make and apply organic fertilizers and pesticides to the crops they plant. Due to the need to meet daily food production, farmers’ usage of chemical fertilizers is increasing. While these chemicals quicken agricultural production, their use has detrimental effects on human health and natural soil nutrient in the environment.

Organic fertilizers and pesticides, according to John Baaki, WEP’s deputy executive director, are safer to use and may enhance soil nutrients without endangering humans or the environment. Organic pesticides can also be used as a permanent replant to pests and insides that kill crops. The purpose of the training was to promote villagers living in kabusa on human and environmental health by assisting in the reduction of land degradation caused by the usage of chemicals that are hazardous to the environment.

John Baaki taught two processes of producing organic fertilizers and pesticides to the farmers, they include:

1. The leaves and seeds of the Neem tree are used to make fertilizer and pesticides. Over the years, the Neem tree has been utilized to manage pests and enhance soil fertility. Fresh neem tree leaves can be removed from the tree and pounded with a mortar and pestle to form a paste that can then be diluted in water for 24 hours to extract fertilizer, according to him.
2. Neem seed cake can also be made with dried neem seeds. This process entails drying neem seeds and extracting the kernels with a mortar and pestle, resulting in a powder. This powder also produces oil, and it can be used with a natural black soap to make a cake.

Participants were given rooms to ask questions. The following was recommended based on the questions

1. Seedlings can be soaked before planting in the organic fertilizers, this ensures quick growth and food production
2. The neem seed cake should be used in a situation when rain falls because it is solid

A representative of the villagers expressed his gratitude to WEP for the time and resources they used in teaching them the process to make organic fertilizers and pesticides. According to Mr Danlami, money used by the villagers to purchase organic fertilizers and pesticides will be saved and used into something profitable, he encourage WEP to continue doing more as their expertise is always needed.