IITA–CGIAR, in conjunction with partners and the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), held a capacity-building workshop for Commercial Seed Yam entrepreneurs under the Program for Seed System Innovation for Vegetatively Propagated Crops in Africa (PROSSIVA) project, on 1 September at the Local Government training hall, Oyo State Secretariat.
The PROSSIVA project started with six states in Nigeria and two regions in Ghana, as an agricultural initiative aimed at improving seed systems for crops like yams, cassava, bananas, plantains, and sweet potatoes.
In a welcome address, the representative of the Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Funmilola Ilori, expressed gratitude to IITA and other partners involved in the workshop. “This administration remains passionate about a vibrant and sustainable agricultural ecosystem that will yield benefits not just for farmers, but for the community and the state as a whole,” she added.
“Giving an overview of the PROSSIVA – Yam component, the component Lead, Professor Morufat Balogun, expressed that seed yams are indispensable, given that Nigeria is the largest crop producer. However, the crop’s full potential is yet untapped by virtue of the vegetative method of propagation, hence PROSSIVA’s intervention,” she explained. She highlighted that the purpose of the training is to capacitate potential and existing seed yam entrepreneurs in terms of business start-ups, record keeping, and improving their ROIs.
She also conducted a poll during the workshop to determine if yams as a crop should be prioritized for the country due to the need for national engagement, and the result was affirmative. “Prossiva will facilitate the strengthening of collaboration with government infrastructures and initiatives towards effectively scaling the innovation,” she assured.
Furthermore, she stated that although many farmers are willing to produce seed yams, either to generate income or ensure food security, they are limited by resources. She then implored the government to consider offering financial support to these farmers.
Attendance at the workshop and the technical training on seed yam production revealed that Oyo State has the highest number of seed entrepreneurs.
The participants were provided with a training manual to assist them in tracking their progress as they implemented the training they had received.
Success stories were received from some participants who had engaged in the seed yam production to encourage other participants.
Seeing the output of the workshops from the other states the project operates in, three other states, including Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Ogun, are recorded as having shown interest in the program.
The workshop featured presentations on good agronomic practices in seed yam production by Agronomist and Seed System Specialist, IITA-Abuja, Beatrice Aighewi; and Expectations of Seed producers by the National Seed Council (NASC). The workshop also featured exhibitions and group discussions.
With capacity building initiatives such as PROSSIVA’s workshop, Africa’s seed systems is strengthened while creating opportunities for farmers, youth, and rural entrepreneurs to thrive. Working with partners and government agencies like OYSADA, IITA promotes a system for seed yam enterprises to ensure the availability of certified, high-quality planting materials that boost productivity and food security. This approach not only supports national and regional agricultural transformation strategies but also empowers local communities by opening new agribusiness opportunities, fostering innovation, and building resilient, market-driven seed systems for vegetatively propagated crops in the region.
Contributed by Tolulope Akinola
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