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Deforestation: The silent crisis threatening our planet!

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When we think of environmental crises, we   often think of climate change, plastic pollution or endangered species. But there ’ s a crisis going on right   in front of us,  just as devastating but often invisible. Forests are disappearing through deforestation, taking with them everything from the air we breathe to the stability of our   climate. And the reality is that we ’ re all connected to it in ways we may not even   know. What Is Deforestation? Deforestation is the extensive clearing of forests, typically to clear land for agriculture, urban development,   or provide logging. Every year, forests are destroyed through deforestation, turning lush landscapes into barren wastelands, losing   essential biodiversity. It i s not just a   problem for the trees, though; it i s a problem for us all. We rely on forests   more than we realize. They are the lungs of our planet, inhaling carbon dioxide   and exhaling oxygen. They provide homes to a multitude of species, moderate rai...
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ORGANIC FARMING AND ITS IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH

  Introduction The increasing health problems and environmental challenges in today’s world has made many of us become more conscious about what we eat and how it directly or indirectly affects our health. With the high use of pesticides, chemicals and fertilizers by conventional farmers just to make more profits on their agricultural products leading to health problems for many people has lead to Organic farming gaining more attention as a healthier and sustainable alternative. What is Organic Farming? According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Organic Farming is a holistic production management system that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, minimizes pollution of air, soil, and water, and optimizes the health and productivity of interdependent communities of plants, animals, and people. This means that farm produce, including animal products we consume from organic farms are produced without harmful chemicals that n...
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GARDENING, RESILIENCE AND STRONG COMMUNITIES: A SOCIO-CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGIST’S PERSPECTIVE

  GARDENING, RESILIENCE AND STRONG COMMUNITIES: A SOCIO-CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGIST’S PERSPECTIVE There's something undeniably magical about watching a tiny seed transform into a vibrant plant, especially when it's nurtured by a group of people who share a common goal. Community gardens, spaces where individuals collectively cultivate plants and share the harvest, have long been a cornerstone of many societies. Beyond their agricultural benefits, these communal spaces play a vital role in fostering resilience, strengthening social bonds, and promoting cultural exchange. From a socio-cultural anthropologist's perspective, community gardens offer a unique lens into the ways in which individuals and communities interact with their environment and each other. They serve as microcosms of larger societal systems, offering a unique glimpse into how people come together to navigate collective challenges and shape a more sustainable, equitable future. SOCIAL COHESION AND CULTURAL EXPRES...
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  THRIVE WITH GREEN THE IMPACT OF GARDENING ON CLIMATE CHANGE Introduction Recent research indicates that the capacity of trees and plants to serve as carbon sinks has minimal effect on mitigating climate change, as the sheer number of trees required to offset current carbon emissions is unattainable. However, carbon sequestration by trees and plants should not be overlooked. Indeed, carbon sequestration plays a significant role in mitigating the complexities associated with climate change. As the urgency to combat climate change becomes more apparent, individuals need to explore ways to contribute to the solution. One of such numerous ways is gardening, which offers numerous benefits beyond just beautifying the surroundings- it provides easy access to food, improves health, reduces stress, and importantly, holds the potential to mitigate the effects of climate change. HOW DOES GARDENING PLAY A ROLE IN REDUCING CLIMATE CHANGE  Here, we delve into three ways gardening can contr...
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  THRIVE WITH GREEN JUTE MALLOW (Part 2)  A COMPREHENSIVE PROCEDURE ON HOW TO PRODUCE JUTE. Introduction Hello! Thank you for coming back. Last time, we discussed the mind-blowing benefits of jute, popularly known as Ewedu in Nigeria (Please go through it if you have not). I promised to bring you the essential tips you need to know to plant yours successfully. Now, let's get right into it. PROCEDURE Step 1 : Soak your seeds in a little warm water overnight. You will notice some openings on the seed by morning, ready to sprout. Step 2 : Pick the right spot with enough sunlight and remove every weed on the field.  Step 3 : Prepare your bed. To make a bed, you are to loosen the soil and use a hoe to gather the soil from both sides to a point until it is like a bed. It is usually higher than the ground area.  If you want to use a container, perforate the container to allow drainage and fill it with good soil. You can mix the soil with compost if available. Step 3 : You c...
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  THRIVE WITH GREEN JUTE MALLOW (EWEDU); THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND WHY YOU SHOULD PLANT IT. Introduction You eat jute (ewedu)  and you feel this is not for you? Well, you are wrong! You need enough reasons to look for a space to plant it. There are several species of Jute grown. Jute can be grown either for food or fiber(It is one of the most important fibers after cotton). The scientific name for Jute mallow, which is popularly known as ewedu in Nigeria is Corchorus olitorius. Jute is known to be native to Africa and Asia. It is an important leafy vegetable in Africa. The leaves can be eaten fresh or can be sun-dried to be eaten later in the year. In countries like Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, Jute is used as a potherb. Nutritional Composition of Jute (Ewedu) Jute is nutraceutical- contains health-giving additives. It contains very important antioxidants needed for good health. Jute contains active nutrients like Protein, Fat, carbohydrates, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, V...
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  THRIVE WITH GREEN AGRICULTURE:  THE ROAD TO THE FUTURE                                   WHAT IS AGRICULTURE AND WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO OFFER? The word “Agriculture” was coined from two Latin words, “Ager’’ (meaning field) and ‘’cultura’’ (meaning cultivation or growing). Although agriculture covers many areas,  farming and husbandry are major aspects of agriculture. Agriculture is the cultivation of the land or soil and the rearing of animals to provide food and other produce.  I’ll say that the most interesting part of agriculture is that it is the most human-dependent field. Agriculture is a field that is needed by all. The positive effects range from the provision of varieties of food to the provision of raw materials needed to live a normal life. Agriculture is the backbone of Agro-based industries as it is a field...
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