The Osun State Government has launched a new enterprise development initiative to support smallholder farmers and strengthen food security in partnership with British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) and Cato Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts.

The initiative, titled “Enterprise Development for Smallholder Cassava Farmers,” seeks to improve Nigeria’s estimated 62.7 million metric tonnes of cassava output, reinforcing the country’s position as the world’s largest crop producer.

Pelumi Aribisala, co-founder of Cato Foods and Agroallied Global Concepts, spoke on the project and highlighted the partnership’s transformative potential.

“Each of the 100 participating farmers will cultivate a half-hectare plot using improved and biofortified cassava varieties”. 

“They are being organised into Agri-Business Clusters (ABCs) and cooperatives to streamline access to quality inputs, mechanisation, and financial services. This bloc farming model will also enhance their collective marketing power,” Aribisala explained.

He further emphasised that the project is designed to empower farmers through access to essential resources and training.

“By training farmers in good agronomic practices, climate-smart agriculture, and basic enterprise management, the project seeks to establish a more efficient and profitable cassava value chain”. 

“The adoption of eco-efficient tools, such as the AKILIMO cassava tool, will further support these efforts. A key component of the project is ensuring sustainable market integration.”

As part of the arrangement, Cato Foods will act as an off-taker, guaranteeing a ready market for the farmers’ produce and addressing a common challenge for smallholder producers.

The programme will officially launch on Thursday next week, with the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in Osun State, Otunba Babatola Faseru, as the special guest of honour.

Another project highlight is its revolving grant structure, which ensures long-term sustainability and scalability. Recovered funds will be reinvested into subsequent cycles, enabling more farmers to benefit from the initiative.

Aribisala expressed confidence in the project’s potential to impact rural communities positively.

“This project is designed for high-impact delivery, creating both direct and indirect rural employment, boosting local economies, and expanding Cato Foods’ supply chain to meet increasing industrial demand”. 

“By the end of the first cycle, the project aims to establish a thriving cassava value chain driven by empowered smallholder farmers, modern production systems, and inclusive agribusiness models, thereby positioning Osun State as a flagship hub for sustainable cassava enterprise,” he said.

Source: The Nation