In a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and mitigating the impact of climate change, Ayosifam Integrated Service Limited has officially commenced the enrollment of smallholder farmers in Kwara State for its innovative carbon credit program. This initiative aims to empower local farmers by providing them with the resources and financial incentives to adopt climate-smart farming practices.
The program, which kicked off today, will see enrolled farmers receive crucial support in the form of free biochar. This carbon-rich soil amendment has been proven to enhance soil fertility, improve water retention, and, most importantly, sequester significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere, thereby minimizing the impact of climate change.
Beyond the provision of biochar, Ayosifam Integrated Service Limited will also compensate participating farmers based on the amount of carbon saved through their adoption of sustainable farming techniques. This payment structure directly incentivizes environmentally responsible agricultural practices and provides an additional income stream for smallholder farmers.
To ensure the integrity and transparency of the program, Ayosifam Integrated Service Limited will meticulously record the number of farmland each farmer cultivates through coordinate mapping. This process will allow for accurate monitoring of the carbon sequestration efforts and fair compensation based on the scale of their climate-friendly farming activities.
The initial phase of this groundbreaking initiative will focus on enrolling 1000 smallholder farmers, encompassing both male and female participants, across Kwara State. This selection marks Kwara as the pilot state for the program in Nigeria, paving the way for potential expansion to other regions in the future.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Funmilayo Esther Famuyiwa CEO Ayosifam Integrated Service Limited stated, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with the hardworking smallholder farmers of Kwara State. We believe that by providing them with the necessary tools and financial incentives, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector while directly addressing the challenges posed by climate change. This program is not just about carbon credits; it’s about empowering our farmers, improving their livelihoods, and safeguarding our environment for future generations.”
The enrolment process is expected to continue over the coming weeks, with Ayosifam Integrated Service Limited working closely with local agricultural organizations and community leaders to reach eligible farmers across Kwara State. This initiative holds immense promise for fostering climate-smart agriculture, enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, and positioning Kwara State as a leader in sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.
