Beyond knowledge

by Uchechi Nwahiri (Nigeria)

I didn't expect to find Nigeria

I was very excited about the internship program. This is a program I have always wished to meet. Perchance, it arrived and changed the narrative. I have always thought that agriculture was meant for old men and women. I even extended the definition to a poor man's last resort. Alas, I was wrong. My quest for knowledge led me into the biggest event in my life. The year 2018 came so fast whilst I made a list of places I would like to work for my internship. I searched online everyday until the moment ope farms popped out. Diverse thoughts creeper into my mind. Could it be the usual hoe and cutlass farmers that manage the farm? After a long while, I decided to apply for an internship at the farm. Fortunately my application was approved and I got the job. I thought of spending eight hours on a road trip since the location of the farm was in a different state and city altogether. I had high hopes of meeting a finer place away from home but my idea was defiled when I arrived Ashipa, the home of prestigious farmers who invested time, energy and resources to Agribusiness not just agriculture. I suddenly fell in love with the system of agriculture that was practiced at ope farms. It was one that do not support the use of synthetic ingredients, chemicals, growth hormones and genetic modified organisms. It is called organic agriculture. I never knew such existed neither did I know some parts of my country practiced it. I began to learn their language, culture and traditions. This however helped me to stay there for eight months. Both the young and old was fully involved in Agribusiness, this fueled my passion as I interacted more with farmers. Soon I began to learn the name of their local vegetables and how to plant them. Ewedu is a popular leaf that is mostly consumed by the yourbas, those from the south west in Nigeria. It is better consumed with amala. Ewedu seed is mainly soaked in water for three days before planting. This is to allow the seed soften for easy germination. After that, it is planted and can be harvested in three to four weeks time. Ewedu is normally prepared by cutting the leaves and smashing them with a broom, this makes it more slimy after which ingredients like oil, salt, pepper is being added to enhance taste. I also learnt to prepare molasses which is used for producing EM1 ( effective microorganisms) which is used to fight infections i n poultry birds. Molasses also known as burnt sugar can be prepared by extracting the juicy water from sugarcane after which, is boiled till it gets darker. The point at which it gets darker affirms it is ready and effective. I also visited Olumo rock at Abeokuta the state capital, one of the ancients rock in Nigeria which attract both local and foreign tourist on daily basis. People from Abeokuta believes that their problem can be solved if the genuinely visit their often. It was all fun for me as I climbed the rock till I got to the climax of it. I felt like a warrior who had defeated hundred oppositions. It was a dicey yet memorable experience. The knowledge and courage gathered during this time has built and created a strong woman who not only see the beauty of culture but need to share the essence it holds. Beyond knowledge is more.