Francis Biobarakuma Foundation Trains Nembe Farmers in Innovative Sack Farming Using Urine and Ash-Based Manure
The Francis Biobarakuma Foundation, in partnership with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), has successfully trained farmers and residents of Nembe in a groundbreaking organic farming technique — Sustainable Sack Farming Using Urine and Ash-Based Manure.
The training, held at State School 1, Opu Nembe, focused on equipping participants with practical skills to boost crop production using low-cost, eco-friendly methods. The program, which started at 1:00 p.m., placed special emphasis on pepper cultivation as the pilot crop for the initiative.
Hands-On Learning for Sustainable Agriculture
Led by trainers Macdonald Blessing and Ikuromo A. Joshua, the session exposed participants to the step-by-step process of producing organic manure from urine and ash, as well as simple but effective pest control techniques. Climate change adaptation strategies for local farming were also discussed, ensuring that farmers are better prepared to face environmental challenges.
The training was highly interactive, with participants engaging in practical demonstrations, including the preparation of organic manure and the planting of pepper seeds for nursing.
Resources to Kickstart Farming
To ensure immediate application of the lessons learned, each participant was given seed nursing trays, pepper seeds, and sacks filled with topsoil. The pepper seeds planted during the training will be nurtured and later distributed as seedlings to all attendees, enabling them to begin their own farms without delay.
Growing Interest and Participation
Originally designed for just five participants, the overwhelming interest and success of the program led to a decision to include more farmers in the initiative, opening the door for broader community involvement in sustainable agriculture.
Farmers’ Cooperative Formed
In a move to sustain the momentum, participants agreed to form a farmers’ cooperative dedicated to organic pepper farming and other sustainable agricultural ventures. The cooperative will serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective growth.
Commitment to Continued Support
The Francis Biobarakuma Foundation and Centre LSD pledged ongoing mentorship, follow-up training, and the distribution of seedlings to all cooperative members. Plans are also underway to expand the initiative to include other crops and explore partnerships for large-scale organic farming across Nembe and nearby communities.
Community Gratitude
Participants expressed deep appreciation to the Francis Biobarakuma Foundation and the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development for their generosity in providing the training, farming materials, and continuous support.
Also Read: Francis Biobarakuma Foundation Hosts Historic Nembe-Se Youth Leadership Summit 2025
Speaking after the event, Engr. Francis Biobarakuma, Convener of the initiative and ILI Fellow, described the program as “a step forward in promoting food security, empowering local farmers, and proving that sustainable agriculture is possible with the resources we already have.”
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to its guiding motto: “Everyone deserves a golden chance.”
