Akahi Tutors, Ile-Ife: FUNAAB Model Integrated Farms, a Brilliant Idea

The Deputy Director, Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), Mr. Michael Jaiyeola, has commended the initiative of the University Management on the establishment of the FUNAAB Model Integrated Farms. Mr. Jaiyeola disclosed this in an interview during a guided familiarisation tour by University guests. According to him, "It is a brilliant idea to have an integrated farming system that is different from what we were originally doing here. This system ensures that nothing is lost or wasted, as long as it is a constituent of nature, it is simply harvested and recycled. The system integrates 'zero waste' and total productivity concept, through the use of biological and ecological farming practices. It is a system where various units and sections are skillfully combined to achieve a common goal".

He recalled the situation that warranted the siting of the farm in FUNAAB saying, “It's the vision of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole. Sometime ago, he was at the Republic of Benin and visited the Songhai Farms in Port Novo. He saw what they were doing there. When he came back, he told some scientists here in FUNAAB of his Songhai experience and a trip was planned, thereafter. Incidentally, I was one of those that was asked to be in that team. We went there for two days, studied the agricultural system they were practicing and agreed that it was something that could be replicated here on our campus".

Mr. Jaiyeola, while comparing the initial state of FUNAAB farms to that of Songhai said, "we had everything but they were not fully integrated. We had the arable and plantation tree crops farms, the livestock complex, the processing and value addition section, which is our Industrial Park Unit, Agro-tourism too with the Zoological Garden, the International Scholars' and Resource Centre (IS&RC) and the Royal Greens Guest House. I think what we need to do is to imbibe the philosophy of Songhai in structuring our own integrated farm complex".

He stated that the new "FUNAAB Model Integrated Farm is sitting on a 52-hectare land and is being developed in phases. The land have been surveyed and some of the ventures have been allocated on the land. We get started with the establishment of pawpaw and plantain orchards. We have also introduced some of the ‘niche’ enterprises such as Biogas and gasifier technologies station, mushroom shed and extensive snailery garden. The second phase of the farm development will take care of livestock activities such as various poultry birds like broilers, layers, ducks, quails, guinea fowls, turkey, pigeons and geese. Also inclusive in phase two development is wildlife domestication such as the rearing of grass-cutters. In line with the Songhai concept, was the opening of an Agro-mart mini-market, where all farm produce are displayed and made available for sale".

"Our plan is to aim high while starting small. We have been able to do the little we can on the farm development. We have fenced the entire farm complex with local materials to keep off intruders, most especially, the destructive activities of nomadic cattle rearers. We have also been able to create access roads through the farm. The farm goes beyond the watershed areas; beyond the bamboo groves is an irrigated farm at the other side, where dry season vegetables are produced. By and large, we have been able to do whatever we can to ensure systematic integration of crops and animal production, as well as Aquaculture and Biogas as a major factor to the success of the farm", he noted.

Mr. Jaiyeola stated further that “by the time we re-visit the Songhai Farm for a review of our activities, we will be able to improve on all we have done”. The Deputy Director said that the farm had a 10-hectare pineapple farm, adding that FUNAAB would soon have a processing facility where the juice will be extracted. According to him, we may not sell the fruits. We will be adding value, through the production of pineapple juice, jam, and other products. The peels from the pineapple are good feeds for our livestock, most especially the pigs” he added.

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