Mrs. Josephine Oyelami is President of the Oyo State Rabbit Farmers Association. Oyelami has narrated to FarmingFarmersFarms, how she had been able to assist many people to start their farms, thereby empowering them financially, and serving as a good platform to generate employment opportunities in Nigeria. Excerpts:
Please, can we meet you?
My name is Pastor (Mrs.) Josephine Oluwafunmilayo Oyelami. I’m an estate surveyor by profession, a passionate rabbit farmer and cash crop farming (palm plantation). I’m also the President of the Oyo State Rabbit Farmers Association. I’m 66 years old, married with children, and grandchildren.
What has agricultural business been like?
Sincerely, agricultural business has been very interesting and seriously helpful to my immediate family and workers on the farm.
What are your success stories?
My success stories are very numerous, but I will mention a few. My plans were mainly for the young ones. I’ve established, or helped students to have their own rabbit farms, which they are doing to assist them in paying their school fees. I’ve helped many people to establish their own farms. Many retirees were also encouraged to venture into rabbit farming. This has helped to have some funds and keep them busy and at the same time, and have cash with them, instead of waiting for people to dash them money.
Can you mention some of the challenges farmers like you are facing?
I will say that there are lots of challenges in farming, especially in livestock farming. Firstly, the high cost of feeding. It’s very choking and discouraging. Feeds we were buying for N8,000 per 100kg is now costs N48,000. This cost of feeding has sent many people out of business. This has also made me reduce the number of rabbits on my farm. Also, many farmers find it challenging to get grasses or hay for their livestock.
What advice would you give to prospective farmers
My advice for prospective farmers is to try and get good alternatives for their livestock feed.
What else would you like to tell your readers
I will like to tell our readers and prospective farmers not to lose hope. We all need to work more for a positive result. To reduce the cost of feeding, we have to work on alternative feeds that can give us good results. For example, there is a grass that gives good nutritional value to all livestock. It’s called brachiaria hay. We should try to plant it in large quantities. It helps the livestock a lot. Thanks.
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