Dr. Zainab Imam, Consultant Adult and Perinatal Psychiatrist and Division Chief of Women’s Mental Health at Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar, has called on Nigerians to embrace farming what they eat as a step toward better health.
Imam, who is also the CEO of JAMS Organic Farms and Kitchens, shared this advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.
Backyard Farming for Family Health
Imam urged Nigerians to prioritize the health of their families by cultivating what they consume — even if it means starting small with a backyard garden.
She noted that exposure to environmental pollutants such as pesticides has been linked to rising cases of cancer and solid tumors. According to Imam, growing your own food reduces reliance on synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, thereby protecting both human health and the environment.
Sharing her personal journey, Imam said,
“Well, the reason I chose farming is that farming is something I’ve always enjoyed doing. Anywhere I’ve lived, anybody that knows me would always associate Zainab with farming.”
She added,
“My house, even in Qatar, I have my backyard garden where I plant everything. When I was here in Nigeria, before I left the country, I used to raise chickens in my house here in Abuja. I have nothing less than 1,000 heads of corn and other vegetables around. So it’s something I feel very passionate about. I like to eat clean food.”
Well, the reason I chose farming is that farming is something I’ve always enjoyed doing. Anywhere I’ve lived, anybody that knows me would always associate Zainab with farming." Dr. Zainab Imam
The Hidden Danger in Chemicals and Contaminated Herbs
Imam warned that the excessive use of chemicals by farmers is contributing to poor health outcomes in the country.
“Most chemicals used by farmers are killing Nigerians daily, and slowly,” she said.
She pointed out that even herbs, which people often turn to as natural remedies, may be harmful due to contamination.
“I’m diabetic, so I’m also passionate about what I put in my mouth and make sure that whatever I’m eating will not add to my chronic illness,” Imam explained.
Farming as a Source of Wellness and Education
Beyond healthy eating, Imam emphasized the physical benefits of farming, highlighting how working on the farm provides an opportunity for regular exercise.
“The other thing is that when I’m on the farm, it gives me room to move and exercise. So my thought is that if I could do this as part of my retirement, it will exercise into my day, and also hopefully I’ll be able to teach people about sustainable and organic farming.”
Vision for Sustainable and Integrated Farming
Looking ahead, Imam shared her goal of helping others succeed in organic agriculture.
“Our farm is an integrated farm. We have livestock, we have large animals, and we’re also hoping to have small animals. Currently, we have a few chickens — only local chickens — as well as sheep and cows. We are in the process of starting our fish ponds so that we can create additional protein.”
She expressed hope that when the farm reaches full capacity, it will become a hub for training and inspiration.
“I hope that people can come and visit the farm and see what we’re doing, and be able to adopt such sustainable practices in their own farms as well,” Imam said.
News by Ebere Agozie
Sub-heading by Daniel Ogwuche
News Source – https://nannews.ng/2025/06/20/eat-what-you-farm-for-improved-health-expert/
