The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation, in partnership with Cato Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts and the Osun State Government, today inaugurated a transformative initiative to bolster cassava production and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Osun State.

Dubbed the Enterprise Development for Smallholder Cassava Farmers project, the program is designed to equip farmers with access to essential resources, markets, and training, enabling them to transition from traditional producers to successful agribusiness entrepreneurs.

At the flag-off ceremony in Osun, it was announced that 100 selected farmers will each cultivate half a hectare using improved and biofortified cassava varieties. 

These farmers will be organised into Agri-Business Clusters (ABCs) and cooperatives to streamline access to quality inputs, mechanisation, and financial services. 

This bloc farming model will increase their collective marketing power and efficiency.

The initiative was designed to increase cassava yield and household income by at least 40%, while improving regional food security. 

Farmers will receive training in good agronomic practices, climate-smart agriculture, basic enterprise management, and access to eco-efficient tools like the AKILIMO cassava tool, ensuring sustainable market integration.

Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATNF, highlighted the significance of grassroots empowerment:

“Our interventions are designed not only to provide immediate support but also to foster long-term resilience and self-sufficiency among smallholder farmers.”

Odusanya stressed that adequate resources, knowledge, and market access would enable farmers to uplift their communities and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s food security. 

He also commended the partnership with Osun State and other collaborators, noting that collective efforts are essential to sustain and expand such impactful initiatives.

The Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Cato Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts, Pelumi Aribisala, added that the program is structured to meet growing industrial demand for cassava while strengthening the Nigerian food system.

In attendance were notable dignitaries, including Oluwakemi Fadare, Representative of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Olupo of Oluponna, Oba Abdul-Rafiu Oyekanmi Mosobalaje Bamigboye II, Atinuke Lebile, CEO of Cato Foods, Odusanya Oludare, General Manager of BATNF, Mr. Adetola Oniyelu, Project Manager at BATNF, and other industry stakeholders.

Source: Independence News