{"id":18291,"date":"2026-06-20T13:03:52","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T13:03:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.iita.org\/news-item\/driving-community-impact-for-food-security-in-oyo-state\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T16:50:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T16:50:32","slug":"driving-community-impact-for-food-security-in-oyo-state","status":"publish","type":"news-item","link":"https:\/\/iita.org\/fr\/news-item\/driving-community-impact-for-food-security-in-oyo-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving community impact for food security in Oyo State"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Joshua
Joshua Ayankanmi during his sales drive for his produce.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nAt just the primary school level, Joshua Ayankanmi, a Primary Years Programme (PYP) pupil at the IITA<\/a> International School, has shown how youthful passion can spark real change. His love for agriculture and his desire to contribute to food security and sustainability in Nigeria inspired him to take on a project that has positively impacted smallholder farmers in Oyo State.\n\nFor his PYP Exhibition, Joshua chose the topic \u201cSustainable Agriculture and the Responsible Use of Natural Resources<\/em>.\u201d Living in a research-driven community focused on food security helped nurture his curiosity. His concern for environmental health and sustainable farming practices pushed him to dive deeper into the subject.\n\nWith guidance from his parents, teachers, and mentor, Joshua immersed himself in research. He studied reports on renewable energy in farming, visited farms powered by solar energy, collected data from local communities, and interviewed experts in engineering and renewable technologies.\n\nBalancing schoolwork with research was not easy, but Joshua persisted. After learning the science behind sustainability, he grew vegetables in the school garden using eco-friendly methods. Together with his peers, he harvested the produce and sold it at the school gate, raising funds to support local farmers.\n\nWhen the sales proceeds were not enough, Joshua reached out to the IITA community through letters, requesting donations. The response was encouraging, enabling him to purchase seeds and tools for farmers in Akinyele Local Government Area, near his school.\n

Supporting farmers, Building communities<\/h3>\nWorking hand in hand with the local government, Joshua identified farmers in need and supplied them with cassava stems, maize seeds, and plantain suckers. Alongside the inputs, he shared practical lessons on sustainable farming practices he had learned. His efforts not only provided material support but also helped farmers adopt techniques that reduce environmental harm.\n\n
\"Joshua
Joshua Ayankanmi raising fund for his project.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nThrough this initiative, farmers began exchanging knowledge and supporting one another, creating stronger networks within the community.\n

Aligned with global goals<\/h3>\nJoshua\u2019s project connects directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His work promotes:\n\nSDG 2: Zero Hunger by improving food access and encouraging sustainable farming practices.\n\nSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting efficient use of resources and minimizing waste.\n\nBeyond helping others, Joshua\u2019s journey has been one of self-discovery. He became more confident, resilient, and adaptable. He learned how to lead a team, seek support, and re-strategize when faced with obstacles. His academic skills in research, communication, and planning, grew stronger as he connected classroom learning with real-world solutions.\n\n
\"Joshua
Joshua with his mentor and father in the garden.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nJoshua\u2019s story proves that age is not a barrier to making impactful contributions. What began as a school exhibition project blossomed into a community impact initiative. His journey is a reminder that change often starts with a simple question, nurtured by determination and supported by action.\n\nJoshua Ayankanmi\u2019s work is not just about growing crops, it\u2019s about growing hope, community, and a more sustainable future for all. \u201cIt has been my dream to help people, and I am glad that I have done it,\u201d he said.\n\nDuring an interview, Joshua\u2019s PYP Coordinator, Edith Ekun, reflected on the impact of his project, describing it as a powerful reminder that young people can be agents of change. She explained that Joshua\u2019s work not only addresses real-world problems but also inspires his peers to believe that their contributions, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference in their communities.\n\nHis class teacher at the time, Rhoda Okorie, also shared her perspective, noting that the project shines a positive light on IITA. She emphasized that it reinforces the Institute\u2019s reputation as an environment that nurtures young learners, equipping them with the confidence and values to grow into future leaders who are committed to solving global challenges.\n\nContribu\u00e9 par Ochuwa Favour Daramola<\/em>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

At just the primary school level, Joshua Ayankanmi, a Primary Years Programme (PYP) pupil at the IITA International School, has shown how youthful passion can spark real 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