By Editor
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), in partnership with the Cross River State Government, has launched a week-long Training of Trainers (ToT) programme aimed at strengthening yam seed systems and unlocking agribusiness opportunities across the state.
The initiative brings together yam farmers, local government agriculture directors, state officials, and extension agents in a coordinated push to scale improved seed technologies and agronomic practices. It marks the first phase of a broader capacity development programme designed to boost productivity and efficiency across the yam value chain.
Participants are being equipped with technical knowledge and practical tools to drive adoption of improved practices. Under a structured step-down model, they are expected to cascade the training to farmer groups and rural communities, ensuring wider dissemination and impact at the grassroots level.
Highlighting the importance of capacity building in scaling innovation, Olugboyega Pelemo said improved technologies such as minisett, vine cutting, single-node vine (SAH), and mini-tubers can only deliver impact when widely adopted.
“These technologies will only become visible when they are scaled, and scaling becomes impactful when the capacity of key actors is strengthened. Beneficiaries will transfer this knowledge to last-mile users across communities in Cross River State,” he said.
Yam remains a strategic staple in Nigeria, contributing significantly to food security, rural livelihoods, and income generation. However, persistent challenges—including poor seed quality, limited access to modern agronomic practices, and weak market linkages—continue to constrain output.
Through the programme, both partners aim to close these gaps by strengthening local capacity, accelerating adoption of improved technologies, and promoting agribusiness development within the state.
Also speaking, Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, said the initiative aligns with the state’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.
“As part of our strategy, we are committed to providing the capacity and resources needed to support farmers. This training is a starting point, and we plan to replicate similar programmes across other crops, including plantain,” he said.
The programme is supported by the IITA Yam Improvement and Breeding initiatives under the leadership of Asrat Amele, with a focus on scaling Good Agronomic Practices (GAP), promoting improved yam varieties, and developing community-based seed producers.
The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to transforming Nigeria’s yam sector through innovation, partnerships, and inclusive knowledge transfer—ensuring improved practices reach farmers at scale.
