Japanese development officials teamed up with Nigerian agriculture leaders to teach farmers from two southwestern states about aquaponics, a method combining fish farming with vegetable cultivation in water-efficient closed systems. The Japan International Cooperation Agency and Kakehashi Africa Nigeria Initiative held the two-day workshop in Ibadan alongside the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, showing participants how to build and operate facilities that recycle nutrients between fish tanks and plant beds.
Umar Alilu, a senior program officer at the Japanese agency's Nigeria office, said waste from fish provides fertilizer for crops while vegetation cleans water before sending it back to aquatic animals. The approach conserves resources and supports income growth for producers, he explained. Bolu Sarumoh, who leads the alumni network behind the partnership, said farmers can assemble these production units using PVC pipes and locally made pumps rather than expensive imported equipment. Officials have already run similar pilot efforts in Benue State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Akeem Olajobi from the Lagos agriculture ministry said the technology fits well with urban farming plans for areas with limited space. Folashade Jegede, representing the Oyo development agency, noted the state aims to emerge as a major agribusiness center across West Africa.
Umar Alilu, a senior program officer at the Japanese agency's Nigeria office, said waste from fish provides fertilizer for crops while vegetation cleans water before sending it back to aquatic animals. The approach conserves resources and supports income growth for producers, he explained. Bolu Sarumoh, who leads the alumni network behind the partnership, said farmers can assemble these production units using PVC pipes and locally made pumps rather than expensive imported equipment. Officials have already run similar pilot efforts in Benue State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Akeem Olajobi from the Lagos agriculture ministry said the technology fits well with urban farming plans for areas with limited space. Folashade Jegede, representing the Oyo development agency, noted the state aims to emerge as a major agribusiness center across West Africa.
