EPE News

YABATECH Hosts International Conference on Food Production, Experts Advocate Sustainable Solutions

Published

2 months ago

Feb 5, 2025.

YABATECH’s School of Agricultural Technology hosted a three-day international conference on food security, climate change, and economic challenges in agriculture.
Experts, including Dr. Rosulu Hamed and Prof. Kazeem Adetunji, emphasized the need for mechanized farming, climate-smart policies, and securing more land for food production.
The event featured an awards ceremony and an exhibition of farm products by YABATECH students, highlighting the role of research and innovation in agricultural sustainability.

Ekohotblog reports that the School of Agricultural Technology, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Epe Campus, has organized a three-day international conference to tackle food insecurity, economic challenges, and climate change affecting food production in Nigeria.

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Themed “Rethinking Food Production in Nigeria: Addressing Insecurity, Economic, and Climatic Constraints”, the conference commenced on Monday at the college’s premises in Odoragushin, Eredo LCDA, attracting experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Rosulu Hamed, Dean of the School of Agricultural Technology, stressed the urgent need to address insecurity and climate change, which continue to hinder food production.

“These are global challenges that require a collective approach. The government must work closely with experts to resolve the insecurity and climate issues affecting agriculture.

Acquiring and securing more cultivable land is a critical step toward boosting food production and ensuring economic stability,” Hamed stated.

Representing the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof. Kazeem Adetunji provided strategic insights into tackling food insecurity, calling for the adoption of mechanized and climate-smart agricultural practices.

“For Nigeria to achieve food security, we must focus on technology-driven farming, sustainable policies, and improved security for farmers.

Without these measures, food production will continue to suffer,” Adetunji emphasized.

Dr. Folashade Oluremi-Aminu, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, commended all stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the conference.

“This conference serves as a platform for experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore strategies that will enhance food production despite existing challenges,” she remarked.

Also speaking, Ogunsanya Adeniyi, Managing Director of Royal Waterfront Hotel and Suites, Epe, highlighted the significance of agriculture in national development, noting that insecurity, open grazing, and poor youth engagement in farming continue to threaten food production.

“Agriculture is fundamental to every society, yet it faces several obstacles, from security threats to climate change.

Institutions like YABATECH must take a more strategic approach in ensuring that their agricultural programs contribute to local food supply,” Adeniyi noted.

He further called for dedicated research and innovation to improve farming techniques and ensure food sustainability.

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The conference also featured an awards ceremony, where lead and keynote speakers were recognized for their contributions.

The event concluded with an exhibition of farm products by YABATECH students, drawing praise from participants who emphasized the need to promote local agricultural initiatives.