The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in partnership with Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has empowered no fewer than 35 farmers with orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) vines, fertilisers and herbicide chemicals in Oyo State, targeted at transforming agricultural processes and enhancing nutritional value of the people through balanced diet.
The initiative is aimed at expanding OFSP production, thereby contributing to the overarching goals of reducing malnutrition and improving rural livelihoods.
The beneficiaries of the inputs, 20 farmers out of the 35 were selected from Afijio and Oyo West local government axis of the state, received their 28 bundles of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes vines (Mother’s Delight variety) alongside two bottles of herbicide chemicals and a bottle of fertiliser each at GAIN warehouse Awe, Oyo town, while 15 farmers from Ido local government area of Ibadan also received 28 bundles of OFSP vines, comprising mother’s delight and solo gold varieties, with two bottles of herbicide chemicals and two bottles of liquid fertilisers.
The Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the business incubation platform at IITA and the project lead for Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples (SNiPS), Dr Debo Akande, while briefing journalists about the importance of the programme, noted that SNiPS focuses on enhancing the production and consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) among smallholder farmers.
He stressed that the vision of the SNiPS initiative is a groundbreaking project dedicated to boosting the production and consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) among smallholder farmers, noting that the project is being spearheaded by GAIN and implemented by the IITA.
Akande maintained that these efforts culminated in smallholder farmers gaining an understanding of the economic and nutritional significance of OFSP.
The ripple effect of the project, according to Akande, is to improve health and economic resilience of farmers in their communities. He maintained that year 2023 marked a significant milestone for SNiPS, stressing that 95 dedicated farmers and vine producers received specialised training in the cultivation of OFSP.
He noted that the training wasn’t just about imparting knowledge but about equipping the farmers with the critical skills needed to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Akande said: “The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Through comprehensive training, farmers gained expertise in value addition, transforming their produce into market-ready products that command higher prices. This not only boosts their income but also enhances food security within their communities.
“Additionally, two successful Farmers’ Field Days were held, serving as vibrant platforms for raising awareness about the manifold benefits of OFSP. These events fostered community engagement, allowing farmers to share experiences, learn from each other and collectively embrace the economic and nutritional potential of OFSP.
“Building on the successes of 2023, GAIN’s unwavering support has continued into 2024. This year, 50 farmers received vital resources to further their OFSP cultivation efforts. These resources included two litres of Glyphosate Herbicide, two litres of liquid organic fertiliser and 28 bundles of Mother’s Delight Vine cuttings.
“These vine cuttings were sourced from vine multipliers who were trained the previous year. These experienced multipliers not only provided high-quality vine cuttings but also shared their success stories and income generation strategies with the new beneficiaries, fostering a culture of mentorship and shared success.
“With these critical inputs, farmers are now better equipped to expand their OFSP production, directly contributing to the overarching goals of reducing malnutrition and improving rural livelihoods.”
In her remarks, Mrs Agbaje Abimbola Rachael, Agriculture Extension Officer at the State Ministry of Agriculture, emphasised the importance of these initiatives in enhancing food security and economic resilience among rural communities.
She highlighted the collaborative efforts between GAIN, IITA and the Oyo State government in empowering local farmers through comprehensive training and access to agricultural inputs.
Agbaje further added: “We are all saying that food is expensive; it is high time we all go back to the farm and do something even if it is backyard farming so that we can have food sufficiency.”
Adeyemo Soladoye Moses, a successful vine multiplier from Ido Local Government, shared his experience as a beneficiary of SNiPS. He recounted his success in cultivating OFSP varieties and selling them to customers across Lagos, Kwara and Ogun states.
Moses emphasised the economic potential of OFSP vines, which are not only beneficial for health but also versatile in culinary uses and herbal applications.
As SNiPS expands its reach and impact, it remains committed to sustainable agricultural development and community engagement. With ongoing support and collaboration, SNiPS aims to continue its transformative journey, empowering more farmers and combating malnutrition effectively in Oyo State.
“Through the cultivation of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, SNiPS is not just growing crops; it is growing hope, health and prosperity for communities that need it most. Join us in this transformative journey and witness the power of agriculture to change lives,” he said.
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