Two institutions in Nigeria, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan to improve cassava production and processing in the country.
The partnership according to the Japanese government will help Nigerian farmers address challenges associated with the processing and production of cassava for Agbekoya farmers in Ekiti state.
A statement released by the IITA Communications Officer, Godwin Atser, indicated that the thrust of the MoU guarantees the provision of two cassava processing centers for the farmers by the Japanese while ABUAD will provide monitoring/training services.
Meanwhile, IITA will provide the Ekiti State chapter of Agbekoya Farmers Association with 600 bundles of improved cassava cuttings.
“In addition, IITA will provide 30 Agbekoya farmers with training in the operation/use of cassava processing machines and 10 Agbekoya farmers with training in the maintenance of cassava processing machines,” the statement added.
Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ryuichi Shoji, said the provision of the cassava processing centers was part of efforts to support the agricultural transformation agenda of the Federal Government.
He posits that the initiative would alleviate poverty and enhance food security.
IITA Deputy Director-General, Partnerships and Capacity Development IITA, Dr. Kenton Dashiell on his part expressed hope that the collaboration would contribute to improving the livelihoods of cassava farmers, especially women and youths, who played a pivotal role in cassava processing.
Dashiell posited that the development of cassava along the value chain was critical for Africa to unleash the potential of the root crop.
“To make cassava work for the poor, we need to produce and also process it into products such as gari, fufu, high quality cassava flour etc. We believe that value addition through processing is an important aspect for us to advance the potential of cassava,” Dashiell said.
According to him, the project will contribute to job creation, improve incomes, open new markets for farmers and boost the Nigerian economy.
