AATF Empowers Cassava Farmers in Oyo
Oyo Farmers Trained in Best Agronomic Practices
Enhancing Cassava Production: AATF Launches Training in Oyo
BY SHEKWOPEYELO
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has launched a Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) training program in Oyo. This initiative aims to enhance the skills of cassava farmers and processors in Southwest Nigeria.
The program took place at Fashola farms and targets over 6,000 beneficiaries, focusing particularly on empowering women and youths. The National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) in Umudike facilitates the weeklong training. The first batch of 1,000 participants comes from various Southwest states.
This marks the first phase of a three-year training series. AATF previously committed to training 6,000 farmers and processors during the inauguration of the Cassava Mechanization and Agro-Processing Facility in April 2024. The program will gradually increase the number of trainees: 1,000 in 2024, 2,000 in 2025, and 3,000 in 2026.
Additionally, the program will include 1,000 processors, mainly women from Oyo and Ogun states. The focus is on adding value to cassava processing. The training aims to improve livelihoods through better production methods and enhanced value creation.
Mr. Kehinde Jimoh, AATF’s Programme Officer for Agribusiness, emphasized the importance of the initiative. He stated, “This training empowers farmers and processors with best agronomic practices and value addition strategies. It will lead to significant improvements in their livelihoods.”
Dr. Adeyemi Olojede, Director of Tuber Crops Research at NRCRI, expressed his enthusiasm for the program. He highlighted its potential to boost both cassava production and value addition. He said, “This training will provide farmers with alternative income streams and significantly contribute to food security efforts in the nation.”
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) supports the training. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH implements it in collaboration with AATF, Agridrive Ltd., and Clayuca Corporation.
The training covers critical topics such as best agronomic practices, cassava value addition, and financial management. This initiative aims to improve cassava farming and processing in Nigeria.