Around this time last year, the founder of what is now known as FarmingFarmersFarms (FFF) had wanted to create a sustainable newspaper that promotes farming, farmers and farms globally, by looking at the challenges facing agriculture as well as share the many opportunities found in this important sector, often considered as under-reported. Hence, the publication began this historic journey in April 2022 with the launching of the website, www.farmingfarmersfarms.com. FarmingFarmersFarms is a specialised online newspaper that is published by Media and Educational Consult; located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. To kickstart the FFF, the founder began from writing and publishing in a small room as the sole contributor, reporter, columnist, editor, and manager, from his laptop mobile office! Soon with the help of other volunteers, the website was hosted, and gradually it began to experience more views and more visits as more hands joined in the ‘solo’ effort. The newspaper’s vision, mission, motto and core values, have become its guiding principles.
The newspaper strictly focuses on agriculture, environment, and entrepreneurship, and as part of our mandate since beginning operations; we have published diverse and robust news stories, investigative reportage, editorials, feature articles, interviews, news analysis, among others. We have also been able to link the three focal points of FFF to other fields such as politics, governance, education, and technology, to name some critical areas. With every passing tick of the clock, we hope to always deliver on our motto, which is … to empower and live well. FFF’s team is run by a technical board and editorial staff members of well-experienced and sound professionals in the fields of mass communication, journalism, agriculture, law, and administration.
No doubt, celebrating a year of exploring agriculture, environment and entrepreneurship is a big deal for us at FarmingFarmersFarms. Aside from the usual electronic mails and telephone contacts, we have advanced the use of social media platforms to establish and maintain virile communication with stakeholders. In a bid to further promote healthy life and living, we have delve into cuisines, nutrition and highlight agriculture organisations that promote food production. The followership of a cross-section of readers, researchers, and business-oriented individuals, have gone a long way in enriching our profile by navigating from that of mere small outlet and fast becoming a reference point in the media landscape.
By now, what the FFF project has clearly shown is that, agriculture is not just about farmers alone; it is a broad range of agricultural endeavour in relation to all aspects of life. The drastic transformation, which this newspaper has experienced in the past one year, cannot be achieved outside the goodwill and engagement of committed readers and contributors. We are thankful to our partners, sponsors and advisers, who have shared and believed in our dreams. The Nigeria Media Innovation Programme (NAMIP) has been outstanding, while Kolors Car Hire, Kachelan Pharma Research, and AAU Yola Garkuwa Agro-Allied, have made their impact through their patronage.
By the time FFF turns two, it is our desire that we would be more impactful, recognised and be better dedicated to the cause of promoting the well-being of people with recourse to agricultural journalism without compromising our editorial independence and in a sustainable manner. Certainly, there is much to say, but what we need from you is to continue to believe in us. As we clock one year, we are grateful for your support, as we continue to strive to grow from strength to strength.