In a compelling show of research-community collaboration, the IITA–CGIAR recently hosted its annual Cassava Farmers-Processors Outreach Program—a flagship event jointly organized by Radio IITA and the Cassava Breeding Program (CBP). The event brought together farmers, processors, researchers, and communication experts with a common goal: to transform cassava productivity through innovation, knowledge sharing, adoption of improved varieties, and value addition.
Farmers and processors from Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, and Lagos States participated in the outreach, which was designed as a “train-the-trainer” initiative. Additional participants engaged on Facebook. This model empowers selected participants to serve as ambassadors, returning to their communities with valuable knowledge on best agronomic practices, improved cassava varieties, and value-added food products.
Dr Ismail Rabbi, Head of the IITA Cassava Breeding Unit, emphasized the program’s participatory approach. “Cassava farmers are central to our mission,” he said. “This outreach is not just about delivering innovation; it’s about listening, learning, and co-creating solutions that work in the field and for users.”
The Head of IITA Communication Office, Katherine Lopez, emphasized the impact of the outreach. “This program bridges the gap between research and the field. When farmers engage directly with our scientists, the results are transformational for yields and livelihoods.”
Dajie Odok Blessing, Radio IITA Lead, noted, “The impact stories we have heard from past participants are proof of the model’s success. Our follow-up visits show that real change is taking place across communities.”
During the interactive sessions, farmers shared challenges and success stories. Felicia Owolabi from Oyo State praised the new ‘Biggie’ variety for its high yield after just eight months while voicing concerns about rodent damage. Another farmer highlighted the need for varieties with longer in-ground shelf lives to allow harvest flexibility during favorable market conditions.
In response, Dr Rabbi explained ongoing breeding efforts to address such concerns. He mentioned that the breeding program was screening its collection for varieties showing less attraction to rodents and those that can stay in the ground for more than 12 months without rotting or becoming fibrous. He advised farmers to use the updated cassava variety handbook to select varieties suited to their specific conditions. He also urged farmers near IITA testing stations to collaborate by offering parts of their land for use as demonstration plots. To improve stem preservation, he recommended a simple method: storing cut stems upright with their bases in moist soil under shade, which can extend their viability for several weeks.
Participants received hands-on weed control, fertilizer use, and herbicide application training led by experts, Toye Ayankanmi, Oke Esezobor, and Abolore Bello. These practical sessions complemented a visit to IITA’s state-of-the-art cassava processing center, where participants witnessed the transformation of cassava into high-value nutritious food products such as cassava cake, snacks, leaf soup, and even cassava ice cream, highlighting opportunities for value addition and income diversification. These innovations, showcased by Abioye Racheal, Dayo Ogunade, and Owoade Durodola, directly address marketability and income diversification for farmers.
A major highlight was the tour of the Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) laboratory led by ThankGod Ogwuche, who demonstrated the use of clean, certified stems and advanced multiplication techniques to ensure timely access to healthy planting materials, crucial for food security and genetic integrity.
With continued follow-up, increased farmer-scientist collaboration, and a commitment to knowledge dissemination, IITA Cassava Outreach is advancing a more productive, resilient cassava sector for Nigeria and Africa.
Contributed by Ismail Rabbi and Bamise Dada
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