Video: Lincolnshire charity gifts farming hub to Nigerian town

Support and donations from across Lincolnshire have enabled a Lincoln-based charity to build a vital farming and training facility in Nigeria.

Around 100 farmers in Kuta, Osun State, will be able to use facilities such as storage, a training workshop and a processing centre for cassava (a staple root vegetable) at the new centre.

Members of the local community and honoured guests were given a tour and introduced to the new facility. Photo: SFM

The training facility for cassava processing will help local farmers reduce post-harvest loss and earn a decent income.

Set up by Lincoln charity Shepherd Food Ministries (SFM), the processing area was named the Lincolnshire Hub to recognise the support and donations from the country that have brought the vision to life.

The production area under construction.

A generator used to power the facilities. This particular one was donated by Alive Church in Lincoln.

A example of the tractors used to farm the local land,

Commissioned in July by SFM patron in Nigeria, Rt Revd James Popoola, the Diocesan Bishop of Osun, the training hub will be run by Shepherd Farmers Academy.

SFM President, Dr Ola Ogunyemi (Second from the right) welcomed the community to the new centre, named the Lincolnshire Hub

The opening was attended by village chiefs, the VC of Bowen University, other dignitaries and local farmers.

SFM President, Dr Ola Ogunyemi, said: “Such an agricultural intervention is needed to stem the challenges farmers face in getting a good return for their efforts.

“These facilities include storage, cassava processing centre, training workshop, borehole water, garage for tractors and living /changing rooms for farm workers.

A dedication plaque at the new facility.

“About 100 farmers will have regular access to the facilities to process their cassava into ‘garri’, regular access to workshops to enhance their skills in agribusiness and to develop know-how in digital literacy.”

Framers and members of the local community were intriduced to the new education room.

He also thanked the SFM partners and supporters in the UK for donating to build the facilities.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun III, Olowu of Kuta, welcomed the siting of the facility in his jurisdiction, and the social benefits it will bring to the area.

SFM President, Dr Ola Ogunyemi guiding the village elders around the new facility.

SFA aims to develop its 103 acres of land into a demonstration farm to disseminate best farming practices and preservation methods, to train farmers to use/maintain tractors and to establish market links in order to improve farmers’ livelihood and grow their business.

SFM operates within the remits of Sustainable Development Goals to alleviate food poverty among widows, orphans, disabled and youths from poor families.

To sponsor a farmer or volunteer skills, people can visit www.shepherdsfood.org.uk or email [email protected]