Environmental advocates and farmers have called for agroecology as a solution to restore the polluted farmlands of Ogoni, stressing that food security depends largely on farmers and healthy soil.
The call was made at a three-day Agroecology Conference held from September 3–5, 2025, in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State. The event, themed “Community Climate Action Through Environmental Restoration,” was organized by Lekeh Development Foundation with support from the Agroecology Fund.
Speaking at the conference, Friday Nbani, Director of Lekeh Development Foundation, declared that agroecology is central to restoring polluted Ogoni farmland.
“No farmers, no farmland, no food. For over six decades, oil extraction has poisoned the earth that gives us life. Our solution is agroecology, which combines traditional farming wisdom with bioremediation science to heal our soil and secure food sovereignty,” he said.
Nbani announced the launch of a comprehensive agroecology initiative in partnership with the University of Port Harcourt’s Department of Microbiology and international networks such as La Via Campesina. The initiative will train 60 farmers in agroecological practices, including composting, crop rotation, and soil restoration, who will in turn train others across Ogoni communities.
He emphasized the importance of community involvement, saying: “If communities do not buy into this project, then we may not survive. We need young people, traditional leaders, and local support. This is not a short-term project; it is about securing our future.”
Delivering a keynote lecture titled “Scientific Evidence and Community Impact,” Dr. Emem Okon, Director of Kebetkache, highlighted the severe health consequences of pollution in Ogoni, including birth defects, pregnancy complications, low sperm count, and rising cancer cases.
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She expressed concern about the possibility of oil extraction resuming before the ongoing cleanup is completed.
“Cleanup efforts are still in their early stages and projected to take decades. Resuming oil extraction now will worsen the crisis,” she warned.
Also speaking, Jyoti Fernandes, a UK-based farmer and member of La Via Campesina, stressed that farmers are at the heart of global food security.
“If we don’t have farmers, then we don’t have food. Farmers deserve rights and fair prices for their crops. Those who polluted the soil and water must be held accountable and made to compensate communities,” she said.
The conference brought together farmers, traditional rulers, women’s groups, scientists, youth activists, and international allies.
Participants agreed that agroecology presents a pathway not only for restoring Ogoni farmlands but also for building a model of environmental justice and food sovereignty for other polluted communities across West Africa.
