By Hassan Lawan Koli, Gombe
In the bustling metropolitan area of Gombe, one man’s resilience stands out amid the challenges faced by small-scale farmers. Bala Adamu, a local farmer, has turned to scavenging manure from urban dumping sites in response to the soaring costs of chemical fertilizers.
For Bala, who cultivates maize on a modest plot of land, the price of commercial fertilizers has become prohibitive. “I used to rely on fertilizers to get a good harvest, but now the prices are just too high,” he explained. “I had to find another way, so I started collecting manure which is far effective than chemical fertilizer”. he added.
Bala navigates the edges of dumping sites around the Ross Gombe metropolitan area, sorting through organic waste, collecting decomposed materials rich in nutrients. What others discard as garbage, Bala sees as a precious resource for his farm.
“Manure has what my crops needs. It’s natural, and it makes the soil rich. Since I started using it, my yields have improved. My maize is greener, and healthier.”
Bala’s story is not just about survival; it’s also about sustainability. By utilizing organic manure, he contributes to waste reduction and promotes environmentally friendly farming practices. Agricultural experts agree that organic manure can be a valuable alternative to chemical fertilizers, improving soil health and structure while reducing the reliance on synthetic inputs.
As fertilizer prices continue to rise, Bala’s story is a stark reminder of the resilience of Nigerian farmers. With a little more support, their ingenuity could pave the way for a more sustainable future in agriculture for the country.