The Edo State Government, in partnership with the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) Netherlands and key stakeholders, has taken a major step toward transforming agriculture in the Sokponba community landscape through the validation of critical studies aimed at enhancing farming practices, protecting the environment, and fostering inclusive community investments.
Sokponba community is in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.
At a Stakeholders Engagement Meeting held in Benin City, government officials, investors, community leaders, and development partners gathered to review findings and lay the groundwork for a structured intervention programme to drive economic growth and sustainability in the region.
Speaking at the event, the Country Director of IDH, Prof. Eniola Fabusoro, described the engagement as both “historic and strategic,” emphasizing that the validation process was key to ensuring that the proposed interventions addressed the realities on the ground.
He noted that this step was crucial in designing impactful projects that would benefit both the local people and the environment.
Prof. Fabusoro also highlighted the positive reception from local communities, dispelling initial concerns of resistance.
He attributed this trust to the commitment of the Edo State Government and ESOPP-IIO in prioritizing agricultural development.
This growing confidence among locals, he said, provided a solid foundation for sustainable agricultural initiatives in the region.
The General Manager of ESOPP-IIO, Mr. Churchill Oboh, commended the state government’s dedication to agriculture, pointing to the increased budgetary allocation as evidence of its commitment.
He stated that this financial backing would help tackle key challenges, such as access to agrochemicals, improved planting materials, and mechanized land development, ultimately improving farmers’ yields and ensuring food security.
Explaining the significance of the socio-economic survey conducted in the Sokponba forest by IDH, Mr. Oboh said that the research aimed to evaluate the impact of various investments on local farmers’ livelihoods.
He noted that most people in the Sokponba landscape were subsistence farmers, underscoring the need for a structured approach that would enhance productivity, raise living standards, and curb deforestation, while fostering collaboration between investors, farmers, and host communities.
He further emphasized that as a non-profit organization, IDH was committed to supporting farmers but needed a thorough understanding of existing challenges before launching targeted interventions.
The Chairman of Sokponba Dunkudon, Mr. Ogbonmwan Godfrey, expressed optimism that ongoing discussions and collaborations would lead to meaningful development for host communities.
He however, urged the government to introduce policies granting permanent land ownership rights to local families, arguing that such measures would resolve longstanding land disputes between investors and residents, ensuring long-term peace, stability, and economic prosperity.
This engagement marks a crucial milestone in Edo State’s agricultural transformation agenda as the government, ESOPP-IIO, and development partners continue working towards enhancing food security, boosting local economies, and promoting environmental sustainability.
With IDH’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and the state government’s increasing investment in agriculture, Sokponba is poised to become a model for sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.
As the validated studies now lay the foundation for targeted interventions, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the next phase of implementation, which will determine the long-term impact of this initiative.
