- Project Launch: AATF and partners launched a cassava mechanisation project in Oyo State, Nigeria, to boost cassava production and processing, enhancing Nigeria’s position as the world’s largest cassava producer.
- Objectives: The project aims to provide farmers with modern, sustainable technologies, improving their productivity, incomes, food security, and livelihoods by reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing value addition during processing.
- Technological Advancements: The initiative includes mechanised cassava production and processing, farmer aggregation, and digital tools to demonstrate the economic viability of these innovations, potentially creating new markets for cassava-based products.
- Support and Impact: Endorsed by Governor Engr Seyi Makinde, the project introduces a new cassava processing machine, aligns cassava supply with domestic demand, boosts export potential, and significantly improves smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in South-West Nigeria.
A new project aimed at enhancing cassava production and processing in Nigeria has been launched by AATF and its partners.
This initiative, inaugurated by Governor Engr Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, seeks to add value to Nigeria’s position as the world’s largest producer of cassava.
The primary objectives of the project include providing cassava farmers with access to updated information, knowledge, and skills related to modern and sustainable technologies for cassava cultivation, processing, and utilisation.
It is anticipated that this effort will improve smallholder farmers’ productivity, incomes, food security, and livelihoods by reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing value addition during processing.
Dr. Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director of AATF, emphasised that the project aims to advance cassava cultivation by introducing new technologies for complete tuber processing, thereby creating opportunities for new markets in cassava-based animal feed. This initiative represents a significant step towards leveraging innovation to transform the cassava sector in Nigeria.
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“The innovations involve mechanised cassava production and processing, farmer aggregation and the use of digital tools to demonstrate the economic viability of providing mechanised field services and improved processing technologies to smallholder cassava farmers in Nigeria,” he said.
Dr. Kanangire highlighted that the project aims to help Nigeria align its processed cassava product supply with domestic demand while also boosting the export potential of cassava products.
Governor Engr Seyi Makinde of Oyo State commended AATF and its partners for choosing the state as the location for the project. He emphasised the transformative potential of the project, which introduces a new value-adding cassava processing machine capable of utilising the entire crop without peeling, thus reshaping the state’s agricultural landscape.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the Governor emphasised the critical role of cassava in ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods.
He noted that traditional farming methods have limited growth and productivity, and the introduction of mechanised techniques will not only increase efficiency and yield but also empower farmers to thrive in a competitive market.
Prof. Garuba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, praised AATF for the initiative, highlighting its potential positive impact on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in South-West Nigeria. This project is seen as a significant step towards enhancing cassava farming practices and economic outcomes in the region.
“The establishment of this agro processing facility represents a crucial step forward in our collective efforts to enhance value addition within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. As we are all aware, value addition is a key component of our federal government’s aspiration to transform the agricultural sector and ensure its sustainability and competitiveness on both national and global scales.
The AATF’s agro processing facility exemplifies the dedication of all stakeholders committed to advancing Nigeria’s agricultural agenda. This facility serves as a platform for processing and transforming agricultural produce into high-value products, poised to increase farmers’ incomes, generate employment opportunities, foster rural development, and contribute significantly to the nation’s overall economic growth.
The project inauguration, which included the commissioning of a cassava processing facility, brought together cassava farmers, processors, traditional rulers, and heads of national research institutions in Nigeria.
Established in 2003 to address Africa’s food security challenges through agricultural technology, AATF recognizes the pivotal role of the agricultural sector in Africa’s economic growth trajectory.
The organisation was formed to facilitate technology access, delivery, and partnerships aimed at deploying innovative technologies for the benefit of smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative underscores AATF’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability as Africa emerges as a major global economic force and growth market.
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