A Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) team recently visited a farmer-led demonstration plot of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) in Oyo State, Nigeria. The farmers’ knowledge of OFSP cultivation and its various applications impressed the team. IITA–CGIAR established the demonstration plot with the state government’s extension arm under the Sustainable Nutrition Improvement Program for Sweet Potato (SNiPS) project, which aims to improve the production and consumption of OFSP in Nigeria.
On behalf of the Project Lead, IITA Focal Point Oyewale Abioye elaborated on the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the project’s success. He highlighted that IITA trained eight government extension agents who went ahead to train 50 farmers and led the successful establishment of the OFSP demonstration sites across four local government areas (LGAs)—Afijio, Ido, Iseyin, and Oyo West—of the state.
After the Extension Officer in charge of the demonstration plot introduced the farmers, they shared their observations since the plot’s establishment. They said the cultivated varieties are far better than the local varieties regarding benefits and productivity.
During the event, GAIN Global Director of Program Services Saul Morris realized some farmers were engaged in a discussion and called their attention to explain what they were discussing. With Oyewale translating to English, the farmer narrated in Yoruba how the OFSP vines were doing so well, and the growth rate was quite impressive, noting they were already bearing fruit. The farmer uprooted one of the plants to show the growth rate. One of the ways of consuming it was to eat it fresh, so it was washed and shared with farmers and the GAIN Team for tasting. He was thrilled to see the farmers interacting and expressing a deep knowledge of the OFSP so well.
GAIN Nigeria Country Director Dr Michael Ojo also interacted directly with the farmers and marveled at their understanding of agronomic practices around the OFSP value chain and its various applications. He expressed his gratitude for the remarkable and exceptional work done by the project team.
Contribué par
Nouvelles connexes