The Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has trained over 100 women and youth small holder farmers on environmentally sustainable agroecological practices in Edo State.

The training, in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), was geared towards supporting small holder farmers to boost productivity that would guarantee food sufficiency in the country.

Speaking during the training, the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari represented by the National Correspondent, Agroecology Nigeria, Yerima Saidu, said the greater focus of the programme was on women and Youth in the south south agroecological zone of Nigeria.

"It is expected that the knowledge gained by the participants will have a trickle-down effect on production practices across the zone.

"This should be evident in the output of food crops in the coming years and in the conservation of our ecology, including soil, vegetation, air and water bodies.

He said the crux of the agroecology programme and practices is the conservation of natural environment.

"The trainees should apply the skills and practice acquired on their everyday agricultural activities to mitigate the negative implication of climate change," he said.

On his part, e Acting Executive Director/CEO NIFOR, Dr Isona Gold, represented by the Director of Extension Services, Dr Solomon Olusegun, said NIFOR was established in 1939 with the mandate to research into genetic improvement of oil palm, raffia, date, coconut and shea tree.

He charged the farmers to take advantage of the training to learn how to conserve the environment while performing agricultural activities.

The Secretary, Small Scale Women Farmers Organiation of Nigeria (SSOFON), Edo State chapter, Mrs Patience Okuahesuyi, promised to replicate the training in their various communities for the benefit of other farmers.