What is WELP?
WELP is OAPTIN's flagship organic agriculture training programme, run at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) since 2009. Each 13-week cycle combines lectures from a volunteer faculty of seasoned practitioners with hands-on farm practical — participants are allocated their own plot, grow and sell real produce, and learn organic soil management, pest control, composting, livestock production, and farm business planning along the way.
Trainees graduate with a Proficiency Certificate in Organic Agriculture after a qualifying assessment. Many go on to start their own organic enterprises, supply produce to their local market, or become trainers themselves.
Prof. V.I.O. Olowe · Prof. J.J. Atungwu · Dr. S.G. Aderibigbe · Dr. (Mrs) T.T. Adekunle-Joseph · Dr. (Mrs) Odueme · Mr. Lawrence Kehinde
What Trainees Say
“During my training in WELP, I learnt how to manage a vegetable farm, control pests and diseases, be diligent in farm activities and keep pushing no matter the outcome. WELP is the starting point in my farming career.”
“As one of the top students from WELP 11, I was nominated for the Organic Agropark, a higher-level programme focused on applying business concepts learnt — growing cucumbers and expanding my skills in business planning, market research, and organic vegetable production.”
“WELP made me discover my potentials in agriculture, it brought out the farmer in me. I became a farm consultant and trainer in Organic Agriculture, helping people who want to go into farming but lack resources.”
“The training provided a comprehensive overview of organic farming principles, from land preparation to harvesting. Practical sessions on composting and pest management were particularly enlightening. I was amazed at the potential of nature to provide solutions to agricultural challenges.”
“The program started with an eye-opening lecture from Prof. Olowe on the history of Organic Agriculture. Prof. Atungwu's lecture on pests and diseases management blew my mind. My own vegetable farm in WELP flourished, and I sold my produce online, receiving positive reviews.”
“Work Earn and Learn Programme in organic agriculture is an eye opener to the practice and system of organic farming. It gave me the opportunity of entrepreneurship in the Organic Agropark, and from the skills acquired I have been able to raise seedlings organically for my own farm and for sales.”
“The program transformed me into a confident organic farmer, equipped with the latest techniques and practices. After completing my training, I started my own organic garden, applying the principles of soil conservation, composting, and crop rotation.”
