Comrademartins Abantlehe writes on Guaranteeing Food Security through Sustainable Cassava Production
SExtreme weather and climate change have worsened Africa’s food insecurity, especially in Nigeria, where oil dependency and other socio-economic factors further strain the food ecosystem. Transforming the agricultural sector is crucial to meeting these challenges, and the cassava value chain offers a viable solution for combating hunger, improving livelihoods, and sustaining the rural economy.
Cassava, a perennial woody shrub with an edible root, was first cultivated in South America and introduced to Nigeria in the sixteenth century. It is a major staple food for millions across the globe and was introduced to Nigeria in the sixteenth century. With Nigeria producing about 63 million tonnes in 2022 (FAO 2022), there’s still a 24 million tonnes deficit in meeting domestic demand. Issues like low farm yields, inadequate land management, poor storage and transportation, pests, diseases, and limited access to improved varieties hinder cassava production.
Despite government efforts over the years, the supply hasn’t kept pace with the growing demand.
To address these challenges, Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and CEMUOA Limited have been collaborating since 2020 on the Building an Economically Sustainable and Integrated Cassava Seed System (BASICS II) project. As part of the program activities, Demand Creation Trials (DCT) are set up in Akwa Ibom State to increase farmers’ and processors’ awareness of adopting high-quality cassava varieties to improve production, increase food security, and promote sustainability in Nigeria.
On 17 July 2024, this partnership hosted a Farmers’ Field Day event at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Mr. Emmanuel Ameh, Programme Analyst at Sahel Consulting, highlighted the importance of showcasing high-quality cassava varieties to stakeholders and the use of DCT as an evidence-based tool for making informed decisions on the sustainability of cassava varieties.
A critical success factor for this initiative is the active engagement and investment from private sector partners. Mrs. Caroline Udom, Executive Director of CEMUOA Limited, emphasized the success of this collaboration in providing smallholder farmers with improved cassava seedlings.
It has been a satisfying experience working with Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited. With better cassava varieties and superior seeds, CEMUOA Limited can easily achieve more. With what we’ve accomplished here, we’ll go back and multiply the seeds to ensure that our farmers have unimpeded access to high-quality and improved seeds over the course of the next five to six farming seasons.’’ Mrs. Caroline Udom, Executive Director of CEMUOA Limited.
Mr. Uche ThankGod Oche, Senior Researcher Supervisor of the Cassava Breeding Unit at IITA, praised the DCT as a crucial tool for integrating cassava breeding into Nigeria’s seed system activities. He emphasized the importance of strategic innovation and collaboration for food sustainability in Nigeria.
“How to feed Nigeria’s constantly expanding population is one of the country’s most urgent issues. It is therefore revolutionary to adopt the DCT approach in the production and processing of cassava.
Collaboration with regional processors, such as CEMUOA Limited in Uyo, was essential to proving the effectiveness of the many cassava varieties used in the Basic II (DCT) initiative”.
Mrs. Theresa Akpan, President of Women Link Agro International Commission, shared how the DCT project has transformed cassava farming for women in Uyo. She reported that since the group’s founding in 2018, they have never seen such success. Introducing high-yield varieties like Ayaya and Baba 70 has increased cassava yield and allowed women farmers to better support their families and communities.
The Demand Creation Trails are raising awareness and adoption of high-quality cassava varieties, serving as a vital decision tool for breeders, seed producers, and farmers. Sahel Consulting is dedicated to transforming Nigeria’s agriculture and nutrition landscape, ensuring food security and sustainable development for all.
Join us in this mission and help build a resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria. Reach out to learn more about our initiatives!
Published on: Akatu Odeh News Outfit | Dan Zaki Media | South-South Nigeria Times | Middle Belt Post | Go Broadcast Sheet | All Nigerian | Arewa Times | Daily News Facts | Get Hot News Naija | Solution Media Blog
