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Philip Daniel Yatai
Oct, Fri, 2024

Metro

FEMD enlists NASRDA support to deploy technology in disaster management

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has solicited the support of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), to deploy technology in disaster management.

Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, acting Director-General (D-G) of the department, made the call when he visited the D-G of the agency, Dr Matthew Adepoju, in Abuja on Thursday.

Mohammed said that the goal of the partnership was to strengthen the department’s emergency response.

He explained that NARSDA’s capacities in satellite imagery, geospatial analysis and communication technology offer vital tools that can enhance FEMD disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

He expressed confidence for a robust disaster management system if NARSDA’s advanced space- based data was integrated with FEMD.

According to him, the move will enable proactive risk reduction, real time disaster monitoring and efficient resource allocation.

“By leveraging NASRDA’s advanced satellite technology, geo-spatial tools and communication systems, FEMD will significantly improve its disaster preparedness, early warning capabilities and response effectiveness.

“Such synergy will ensure a more resilient and responsive disaster management framework for the FCT.

Responding, Adepoju acknowledged that the partnership would significantly improve the use of technology in disaster response and management in the territory.

He noted the agency’s capacity in early warning, capacity building and geographic information system.

He pledged to work with the FEMD team to set up a geo-spatial database to be managed by Geographic Information System (GIS).

He suggested the establishment of a task-team to look at areas of mutual benefits, develop an action plan and timeline to make the partnership a reality.

Speaking on the recent earth tremor in some parts of the FCT, Adepoju disclosed that NASRDA had already prepared an early warning mechanism to measure the magnitude of the tremor.

He called for the establishment of more seismic stations, particularly in FCT, adding that the agency would meet the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Minister of FCT on the issue. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Philip Daniel Yatai
Oct, Fri, 2024

Agriculture

Stakeholders seek FG’s support for agroecology in Nigeria

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By Eric James Ochigbo

Some stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called for the Federal Government’s support for agroecology to enhance production of healthier food and to ensure environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

The stakeholders made the call on Thursday in Abuja, at the second regional workshop on agroecology organised by Bread for the World (Brot für die Welt) a German development organisation.

The workshop is titled” Advancing Agroecology in Nigeria: Building Pathways for Sustainable Agriculture.”

In the keynote address, Mrs Joyce Brown, Programme Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) explained that agroecology as a practice, includes different farming methods like mixed cropping, crop rotation, cover-cropping among others.

According to her, agroecology increases biodiversity, reduces need for chemical inputs and ensures increased productivity while enhancing Nigeria’s food system resilience.

Brown said that strict application of the principles of agroecology would also protect the environment as it is in line with nature.

She explained that agroecology focuses on building soil health through appropriate farming practices including agroforestry and use of organic fertilisers.

Brown said that adoption of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) does not have any advantage over agroecology but rather poses more health and environmental risks.

NAN reports that a GMO is a plant, animal or microorganism that has had their genetic material modified in a way that does not occur naturally through a process called genetic engineering.

Brown said that GMOs have implications from biodiversity loss as a result of intensive chemical use, loss of indigenous seed varieties, health and cultural implications as well as labelling issues.

According to Brown, agroecology on the other hand strengthens local economies, ensures rural development, energy and water efficiency, environmental conservation and increased food productivity.

Stakeholders at the event recommended that the Federal Government should develop and implement an agroecology policy built on practical solutions and successes.

They also highlighted the need to integrate agroecology into national agricultural plans, and develop appropriate institutions to drive organic and agroecological farming in Nigeria.

The stakeholders further called for more training for farmers, extension workers, and policymakers as well as establishment

of farmer field schools and demo plots for peer learning.

In his remarks, Prof. Olugbenga Adeoluwa of the Department of Soil Resource Management, University of Ibadan, said that agroecology is not averse to new technology.

He, however, said that just like guns and bombs, not all technologies are safe for human and environmental consumption.

“Many people that are supporting GMOs do not understand the underlying agenda which is business, control and monopoly.

“We should understand this and not be fooled,” he said.

Also, Mr Andrew Kwasari, President of Sa’l’anwaraTumal Consultaire Limites (SCI) an agro firm, stated that there was a need to have in-depth research and conversations around improved seeds. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru