Boosting Food Security in Nigeria through Cassava Value Chain

Strategic Insights -

In a bid to combat food insecurity, a GIZ-funded cassava and maize value chain project has been significantly impacting the lives of Cassava Seed Producers (CSPs) in Nigeria. The project, which will last until 2024, has empowered farmers with access to affordable, quality-assured seeds of improved cassava varieties and intensive training on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for sustainable cassava production. At Okelopa Sotubo in Shagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Mrs. Solomon Temitope Esther, a beneficiary of the project, commended the initiative for boosting her productivity after failing twice to plant rice and maize.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GIZ-funded cassava and maize value chain project has been impacting the lives of Cassava Seed Producers (CSPs) in Nigeria, with a focus on improving productivity and food security.
  • Mrs. Solomon Temitope Esther, a beneficiary of the project, has seen her productivity increase significantly, with plans to expand her cassava farm.
  • The project has empowered farmers with access to affordable, quality-assured seeds of improved cassava varieties and intensive training on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for sustainable cassava production.
  • Mrs. Gbadebo Adejoke, another beneficiary of the project, has been exposed to better ways of planting cassava, new improved varieties, and how to increase her profitability.
  • The Technical Advisor, GIZ Project, Mr. Divine Torkutsah, stated that the grant was meant to support farmers to recover from the impact of COVID-19, with a focus on improving cassava seed production and value chain.
  • Dr. Godwin Atser, the Project's Advocacy, Promotions and Outreach Lead, emphasized the importance of improved varieties in increasing cassava productivity, ensuring food security, and guaranteeing processors' access to quality raw materials.
  • The project has created over 400 cassava seed entrepreneurs in six states in Nigeria, and has strengthened links with the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), the country's seed regulating agency.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria is acknowledged as the highest producer of cassava in the world.
  • Nigeria is still struggling to produce over 10 tonnes of cassava tubers per hectare, despite having the capacity to attain 40 tonnes per hectare.
  • The GIZ-funded cassava and maize value chain project will last until 2024.
  • Over 50 women are part of Mrs. Esther's cooperative, with plans to bring them on board through the project.
  • There are many arable lands available for cassava production in Nigeria, but land preparation remains a major challenge.
  • The project has provided access to affordable, quality-assured seeds of improved cassava varieties to farmers.
  • The project has empowered farmers with intensive training on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for sustainable cassava production.
  • Over 400 cassava seed entrepreneurs have been created in six states in Nigeria through the project.

Sources:

  • "Nigeria is acknowledged as the highest producer of cassava in the world."
  • "However, Nigeria is not among the countries that are rated to have the highest yield of cassava tubers per hectare."
  • Nigeria is still struggling to produce over 10 tonnes cassava tubers per hectare even though it has the capacity to attain 40 tonnes per hectare."
  • "This has underscored the need to adopt a new seed system."
  • "This need has necessitated a project that is under the Green Innovation Centers of GIZ, which would last till 2024."
  • Mrs. Solomon Temitope Esther, a beneficiary of the GIZ-funded project in Okelopa Sotubo, Shagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State.
  • Mrs. Gbadebo Adejoke, another beneficiary of the project in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State.
  • Mr. Divine Torkutsah, the Technical Advisor, GIZ Project.
  • Dr. Godwin Atser, the Project's Advocacy, Promotions and Outreach Lead.
  • Ms. Mercy Diebiru-Ojo, a vegetative seed specialist and the General Manager of IITA GoSeed.