Professor Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka, a leading expert in soil science at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) in Abia State, has issued a strong warning to farmers about the risks of “dumpsite farming.” According to Professor Onwuka, planting crops on or near dumpsites can pose serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of developing cancer. This warning highlights the critical need for awareness about the dangers associated with growing food in contaminated areas.
During a recent community outreach event held on Tuesday, Professor Onwuka shared her concerns about the declining quality of soil in the southeastern region of Nigeria. The outreach was organized in partnership with the Peri-Urban Agricultural unit of the National Roots Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike and took place at Umuajata Olokoro in the Umuahia South Local Government Area. The event aimed to address and mitigate the impending threat of food insecurity by advocating for better soil management practices and innovative agricultural techniques.
Professor Onwuka expressed her worries over the poor soil texture prevalent in the southeast. She pointed out that certain traditional farming practices could further harm soil fertility. In her speech, she stressed the importance of adopting more sustainable and scientifically grounded methods to improve soil health and overall food production.
In addition to discussing the risks of dumpsite farming, Professor Onwuka provided practical demonstrations to local women on the production of biochar. Biochar is a type of charcoal created from agricultural and domestic waste, which can be used to make organic fertilizer. By converting waste materials into biochar, farmers can enhance soil fertility and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural system.
Furthermore, Professor Onwuka encouraged farmers in Abia State to take advantage of the community outreach programs offered by MOUAU. These programs are designed to provide farmers with access to new research findings and innovative farming techniques that can help increase food production and ensure greater food security in the region.
A significant concern highlighted during the outreach was the difficulty rural women face in accessing fertilizers. Professor Onwuka noted that this lack of access hampers their ability to improve crop yields and maintain soil health. The outreach aimed to address this issue by extending the benefits of recent agricultural research to rural communities, ultimately helping to boost food production across Abia State and Nigeria as a whole.
Professor Onwuka’s efforts underscore the importance of proactive measures in agriculture, especially in regions facing soil degradation and food insecurity. By raising awareness about the dangers of dumpsite farming and promoting sustainable practices like biochar production, she hopes to foster a more resilient and productive agricultural sector in southeastern Nigeria.