Sustainable Agriculture Education and Empowerment (SAEE) Program

Brief Overview

The Sustainable Agriculture Education and Empowerment (SAEE) Program of Christian Food Aid is a structured initiative aimed at integrating sustainable agricultural education into secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria. The program focuses on equipping students with practical agricultural skills, fostering self-sufficiency, and addressing food security challenges within school environments.

Objectives

  1. Enhancing Self-Sufficiency – Empowering schools to cultivate a significant portion of their food needs, reducing reliance on external food sources.
  2. Curriculum Integration – Incorporating agricultural education into school curricula to provide students with hands-on farming experience.
  3. Skill Development – Equipping students with agricultural expertise to enhance future livelihood opportunities.

Core Components

  • School Food Gardens – Establishing productive school farms to serve as learning and food production sites.
  • Student Participation – Creating Agricultural Clubs to engage students in farm management and decision-making.
  • Nutritional Education – Teaching students about balanced diets and the benefits of locally sourced foods.
  • Sustainable Practices – Promoting eco-friendly farming techniques such as composting and organic pest control.
  • Community & Parental Engagement – Involving parents and the community in supporting school agricultural initiatives.

Implementation Strategy

The SAEE Program will be rolled out in 5-6 secondary schools within the Ife Educational Zone. Activities include school selection, stakeholder engagement, training for facilitators, curriculum integration, and agricultural production. A structured monitoring and evaluation framework will track progress and impact.

Expected Impact

  • Increased food production and self-reliance in participating schools.
  • Enhanced student knowledge and practical skills in sustainable agriculture.
  • Improved nutrition and dietary choices among students.
  • Strengthened community involvement in education and agriculture.

Special Programs

  • SAEE also integrates Christian-based outreach programs, including school fellowships, mentorship, and Easter/Christmas outreach activities to support students’ moral and spiritual development.

The SAEE Program is a scalable and sustainable model designed to revolutionize agricultural education while fostering economic empowerment and food security. It seeks to create self-reliant schools, agriculturally skilled students, and thriving communities, positioning Osun State as a leader in agriculture-based education reform.

Apply Now – Join the SAEE Program