ORAIN Inaugurates Natural Poultry and Biochar Production Work Groups

During the January edition of the monthly "Upscaling Organic and Agroecological Farming in Nigeria" (ORAIN) meeting, convened through the Organic and Agroecological Innovation Platform (OAIP), supported by seed funding from the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Ghana, ORAIN formally inaugurated two new work groups namely: Natural Poultry Production and Biochar Production Projects focus group, marking a significant milestone in the organization's commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and agroecological transformation in Nigeria. This inauguration is in conjunction with the AAKTP Cassava Biochar project (University of Ibadan, Teesside University, NIJI Group and Ibadan Go Organic Multipurpose Cooperative Society).

The inauguration ceremony held on Thursday, 29 January 2026, brought together ORAIN members, agricultural professionals, researchers, and stakeholders who share a common vision of promoting a food-secured Nigeria with improved livelihoods and a sustainable ecosystem through innovative organic and agroecological approaches. In his opening address, the President of ORAIN, Prince Peter Bakare, emphasized the importance of these work groups in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and addressing key challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and food insecurity.

Inauguration of the ORAIN Biochar Focus Group

Dr. Tannaz Pak, Lead Focal Person of the African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (AAKTP), Teesside University, United Kingdom, made a presentation on the establishment of the ORAIN Biochar Focus Group. Her work focuses on the valorization of cassava biochar in Nigeria in collaboration with the University of Ibadan and Niji Group.

Key Objectives of the Focus Group:

• Knowledge sharing on biochar technology
• Policy advocacy and influence
• Strengthening collaboration among stakeholders
• Capacity building in biochar production and application
• Contribution to national and continental carbon market initiatives
• Leveraging existing policy frameworks to promote agricultural biochar use

The pre-inauguration discussion explored ways of engaging academic and research institutions and farmers in biochar research through sample sharing, field trials, and demonstration projects.

Professor Olushola Ibiyemi highlighted the link between excessive fluoride consumption and dental health challenges and explained the potential of biochar in mitigating this problem. Mrs. Olukemi Fabiyi (Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria – ARCN) raised questions on frameworks for academic and research collaboration. She explained ARCN's coordinating role in agricultural research nationwide and proposed the use of their "Adopted Village Programme" to promote biochar awareness and trials. She further stated that ARCN manages government-funded demonstration farms where researchers work directly with farmers to implement innovations. In response to an inquiry by Dr. Tannaz Pak on the possibility of establishing a biochar demonstration project, Mrs. Fabiyi confirmed that this could be done through ARCN's existing platforms.

The discussion also noted:

• Mechanisms for disseminating results through agricultural associations
• Challenges related to scale of production, investment, and feedstock supply chains
• The strong potential of biochar as a localized solution for soil enrichment

Inauguration of the ORAIN Natural Poultry Production Work Group

The meeting also featured the presentation and inauguration of the Natural Poultry Production Work Group, led by the Ibadan Go Organic Multipurpose Cooperative Society.

Objectives of the Work Group:

• Promotion of sustainable and chemical-free poultry production
• Response to increasing consumer demand for healthier poultry products
• Provision of technical guidance and coordination
• Strategic direction for natural poultry production in Nigeria

Testimonials were presented by consumers who expressed satisfaction with the taste and perceived health benefits of naturally produced poultry. Mrs. Olubunmi Malomo, an animal scientist and natural poultry producer, explained the benefits of natural poultry production — raising poultry without synthetic antibiotics, cost savings for farmers, and improved health outcomes for consumers. She emphasized proper management practices including housing and ventilation, litter management, and biosecurity measures.

Key Resolutions from the Inaugural Meeting

The group resolved to rename the initiative from "Natural Chicken Production Group" to "Natural Poultry Production Work Group" to cover all poultry species. ORAIN announced that the work groups are open to new members and collaborative partnerships.

The work group was officially inaugurated by Prof. Olugbenga AdeOluwa on behalf of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council of ORAIN.

Expected Impact

The Natural Poultry and Biochar Initiatives are expected to:

• Improve food safety and public health
• Enhance soil productivity and environmental sustainability
• Reduce dependence on synthetic agricultural inputs
• Support climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration
• Generate income opportunities for farmers and youth

Commitment to Sustainable Agricultural Transformation

The inauguration of these project work groups reflects ORAIN's broader mission to contribute to food security, sustainable ecosystem, and safe crops, livestock, wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture, based on the principles of organic and agroecology. As implementation progresses, ORAIN will continue to provide updates, training opportunities, and avenues for participation to interested members and stakeholders.

Date of Next Meeting

The ORAIN monthly meeting will continue on a rotating schedule between the last Thursday and Friday of each month. Next meeting date: Friday, 27 February 2026.

For partnership and participation inquiries, kindly contact ORAIN through the official communication channels.

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