Social Media Influencers Called Upon to Promote Improved Cassava Seeds in Benue and Nasarawa States

A recent workshop organized by the Building an Economically Sustainable Integrated Cassava Seed System Phase 2 (BASICS II) project in Makurdi, Benue State, sought to equip social media influencers in Benue and Nasarawa States with practical communication tools and content ideas to promote the adoption of disease-free certified cassava seeds. The workshop, which focused on promoting the BASICS II Cassava Seed System, aims to create a network of influencers actively involved in promoting the model across social media platforms.

Key Takeaways:

• The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has called upon social media influencers in Benue and Nasarawa States to create awareness on the availability of improved disease-free cassava seeds.
• Social media platforms have become game changers in sharing information on agriculture, connecting people easily across the world, and providing farmers with access to new techniques, weather updates, and market prices.
• Social media influencers can play a crucial role in spreading information about the benefits of certified cassava seeds, the dangers of disease-prone planting materials, and the importance of a reliable seed supply chain.
• The BASICS II model has proven effective in improving cassava productivity by establishing a structured seed system that delivers disease-free, high-quality cassava planting materials to farmers.
• Despite the success of the BASICS II project, the widespread use of recycled and unimproved varieties continues to limit cassava yields.
• The workshop aims to equip social media influencers with practical communication tools and content ideas to create engaging posts that promote the adoption of disease-free certified seeds.
• The aim is to create a network of influencers actively involved in promoting the BASICS II Cassava Seed model across social media platforms and reaching out to farmers and agricultural communities.

Statistics:

• 14 extension agents were trained in March 2024 on the use of improved cassava disease-free seeds.
• There is a high demand for improved seeds in Benue and Nasarawa States.
• The major challenges faced by the project are inadequate and scarcity of stems.

Sources:

• News Agency of Nigeria, "Sasakawa Africa Association Calls on Influencers to Promote Improved Cassava Seeds" (2024)
• The Sasakawa Africa Association, "Building an Economically Sustainable Integrated Cassava Seed System Phase 2 (BASICS II) project" (2024)
• The programme officer for Market Oriented Agriculture (MOA), Mr. Jonathan Yassah, speaking at the workshop.