Agriculture, innovative technology, youth involvement in agriculture

1. Youths Back to Land:
What next after here?
Lecturer,
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science
and
Farm Manager,
Clifford University.
By
Mrs. Ifeoma Vivian Kelechi

2. A LECTURE PRESENTED BY MRS. IFEOMA VIVIAN
NWANKWO, AT THE ZONAL CONVENTION OF THE
NIGERIA ASSOCIATION OF ADVENTIST STUDENTS
(NAAS), AT SDA CHURCH UMUOBIAKWA, OBINGWA,
ABIA STATE ON FRIDAY, 29TH MARCH, 2024.

3. Youths Back to Land:
What next after here?
Overview: Agriculture is the backbone of human
civilization, providing us with the food, materials, and
resources that sustain our daily lives. Yet, many young
people today view agriculture as a daunting or undesirable
career path.
Aim: This lecture aims to shatter those misconceptions
and inspire the next generation to embrace the
transformative power of agriculture.

4. Introduction
A lot of people think that when we talk about
agriculture, we're only talking about growing or
producing crops. Nonetheless, the field of agriculture
comprises an extensive range of endeavors. Crop
science is an important part of agriculture, but it is
only one aspect of it. Moreover, industrial forestry,
mushroom farming, and animal rearing are all
considered forms of agriculture.

5. Introduction (contd.)
Aside from that, agriculture also includes fishing and
agricultural support services including purchasing
and selling agricultural products, maintaining
agricultural machinery, and providing truck and
logistical services. All things considered, agriculture
is a broad category of endeavors that support
environmental sustainability, economic growth, and
food production.

6. What is Agriculture?
 Agriculture is the practice of cultivating
natural resources to sustain human life and
provide economic gain.
 Agriculture can also be considered as a
business that provides the global economy
with commodities such as grain, livestock
dairy, fiber, and raw materials for fuel

7. The Diverse Landscape of Agriculture
Crop Cultivation
Agriculture is often
associated with the
cultivation of crops, from
grains and vegetables to
fruits and herbs. This vital
aspect of agriculture not only
provides us with the food we
need but also supports a wide
range of industries and
economic activities.
Animal Husbandry
Raising livestock, such
as cattle, poultry, and
fish, is another crucial
component of
agriculture. These
animals provide us
with meat, dairy
products, and other
valuable resources
that are essential for
our daily lives.
Forestry and Specialty
Crops
Beyond traditional crop
and livestock farming,
agriculture also
encompasses the
cultivation of specialty
crops, like mushrooms,
as well as the
management of forestry
resources. These
diverse endeavors
contribute to the
richness and complexity
of the agricultural
landscape.

8. The Vital Roles of Agriculture
1
Essential Human Support
Agriculture is the foundation of
human life, providing us with
the food, shelter, and resources
we need to survive and thrive. It
supports livelihoods, creates
job opportunities, and ensures
the sustainability of our
communities.
2 Raw Materials for Industry
Agriculture supplies the raw
materials that are essential for
the production of a wide range
of goods, from textiles and
furniture to biofuels and
pharmaceuticals. These
materials are the building
blocks of the global economy.
3
Economic Stability
The import and export of
agricultural products help to
establish robust supply chains
and contribute to the overall
economic stability of nations.
Disruptions in the agricultural
sector can have far-reaching
consequences for livelihoods
and global trade.

9. Agriculture in Our Daily Lives
Shelter
From the wood used in construction
to the plant-based materials like
bamboo, agriculture provides the
essential raw materials for building
our homes and shelters.
Personal Care
Many of the ingredients in our
personal care products, such as
toothpaste, shampoo, and body
creams, are derived from agricultural
sources like mint, turmeric, and aloe
vera.
Clothing and Textiles
Our clothing, from cotton and hemp
to flax and ramie, originates from
agricultural products, demonstrating
the far-reaching impact of this sector
on our daily lives.
Transportation and Entertainment
Even the tires on our vehicles and
the materials used to craft musical
instruments are derived from
agricultural resources, highlighting
the ubiquitous presence of
agriculture in our daily routines.

10. Addressing Misconceptions About
Agriculture
1 Agriculture is Stressful and Boring
Many young people perceive
agriculture as a physically demanding
and monotonous field, but this view
fails to recognize the creativity,
innovation, and technological
advancements that have transformed
modern agriculture.
2 Agriculture is a Dirty Job
The stigma surrounding agriculture as
a "dirty" profession is unfounded and
often rooted in societal biases.
Agricultural work, when done with
proper attire and equipment, is no
more or less "dirty" than other
essential professions.
3 Agriculture is a Man's Domain
Contrary to this misconception, women
play a crucial role in agriculture,
accounting for 60-80% of food
production in Nigeria. Prominent
female leaders, such as the
Commissioner for Agriculture in Abia
State, are challenging this outdated
notion.
4 Agriculture is for the Unfortunate
The perception of agriculture as a
career path for the "unfortunate" is
simply untrue. Successful
entrepreneurs, like Aliko Dangote,
have built thriving businesses in the
agricultural sector, demonstrating its
potential for economic prosperity.

11. The Urgent Need for Youth Involvement
in Agriculture
Youth as Future Leaders
As the leaders of
tomorrow, young
people have a crucial
responsibility to
prioritize and promote
agriculture to ensure
food security and
sustainable
development for the
growing population.
Addressing
Unemployment
Engaging in agriculture
can provide meaningful
employment
opportunities and help
alleviate the high rates
of youth
unemployment,
preventing the lure of
criminal activities and
promoting self-reliance.
Combating Hunger
and Poverty
Involvement in
agriculture can not only
provide a reliable
source of income but
also contribute to the
fight against global
hunger and poverty,
which have been
exacerbated by the
COVID-19 pandemic.

12. What Next? How can I start or get involved
First and foremost, it's important to
remember that agriculture encompasses
more than just crop cultivation; it
comprises various forms, branches, and
areas. Therefore, individuals may choose
to engage in any of the following: :

13. What Next? How can I start or get involved
Selling of agricultural produce e.g. Aliko Dangote
Rearing of livestock such as fish, goat, poultry etc.
A typical example is the Obasanjo’s poultry farm
Mushroom farming
Urbanized farming, where one can use sac bags,
rice bags, spoiled shoes and nylon to plant in your
veranda no matter the little space.

14. Pathways to Engage in Agriculture
Crop Cultivation
From traditional
farming to
innovative urban
gardening, there
are numerous
opportunities to
engage in the
cultivation of
crops and
contribute to
food production.
Animal
Husbandry
Rearing
livestock, such
as poultry, fish,
or goats, can
provide a
reliable source
of income and
valuable
resources for
personal and
commercial use.
Specialty Crops
Exploring the
cultivation of
specialty crops,
like mushrooms,
can offer unique
entrepreneurial
opportunities and
diversify
agricultural
production.
Agricultural
Trading
Engaging in the
buying and selling
of agricultural
commodities, like
Aliko Dangote, can
also be a viable
path to participate
in the agricultural
sector.

15. Clifford University's Commitment to
Agricultural Education
1
Cultivating Agricultural
Passion
Clifford University's agricultural
program aims to instill a love for
nature and agriculture in all its
students, regardless of their
academic disciplines, empowering
them to become self-reliant and
financially secure through
agricultural pursuits.
2
Promoting Food Security
The university's goal is to ensure
food security and zero hunger in the
Southeast geopolitical zone by 2030,
leveraging the hands-on agricultural
education and training provided to
its students.
3
Diversifying Agricultural
Production
Clifford University's agricultural
program covers a wide range of
areas, including poultry farming,
mushroom cultivation, and crop
production, ensuring a
comprehensive and multifaceted
approach to agricultural education
and training.

21. Conclusion: A Call to Action
Embrace the Potential
By shattering the
misconceptions surrounding
agriculture and recognizing its
vital role in our daily lives, we
can inspire the next generation
to embrace the transformative
power of this essential field and
contribute to a more sustainable
and prosperous future.
Invest in the Future
As the leaders of tomorrow, it is our
responsibility to prioritize and
promote agriculture, ensuring food
security, economic stability, and
environmental sustainability for
generations to come. Let us heed
the call and take action to secure
the future of our communities and
our nation.
Join the Agricultural Revolution
Whether through crop cultivation, animal husbandry, or innovative
entrepreneurial ventures, there are countless opportunities to get
involved in the agricultural sector and be a part of the transformative
change that will shape the years ahead.