By Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa
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No fewer than 67 youths have been trained and sensitized by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Ondo South Senatorial District on how to prevent flooding from taking over their farms.
The Project known as Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise- Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) in conjunction with Ondo State Government, yesterday visited Irele Local Government, and Igbobini in Ese Odo Local Government.
The farmers were trained on Flood Resilience and Mitigation Measures at the community Level.
The lecture targeted at the fish farmers was delivered by the Environment and Climate Change Specialist for IFAD LIFE-ND, in Ondo State, Mr Akin Oluwalade.
Oluwalade said the programme was to enlighten the farmers on how to curb flooding on their farms.
He, therefore advised the farmers not to construct their farms too close to river side and to always keep a record of their farms by taking note of every activity.
According to him, “Record keeping is very important to IFAD LIFE-ND, so, you have to keep the record both pictures and videos of any incident or damages on your farm as evidence”.
Oluwalade therefore, informed them of the importance of planting trees at their fish pond to hold the soil and purify the environment.
He also advised them on channelization of both outlets and inlets of the ponds and any rivers around them.
Speaking immediately after the training, Local Government Desk Officer, Mrs. Aremu Omowunmi, appreciated the resource person and LIFE-ND for their gesture at equiping the fish farmers by sensitizing them at this critical time.
“By now I believe that the participants have gained more knowledge in controlling flooding on their farm”, she said.
One of the participants, who is an Incubator, Engineer Ilesanmi Tokunbo, appreciated LIFE-ND for impacting on the fish farmers on how to improve their enterprises which he said would enhance their productivity and increase their income.
He called on the government to help them in channelizing the rivers around the community.
The sensitization continues at Mahintedo, Ilaje LGA and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo today.
