Growing the future of yam farming in Nigeria
May 12, 2026
Modupe Banwo, IITA External Training Manager who co-facilitated sessions, enjoined the farmers to endeavor to practice what they have learnt while also sharing the knowledge as this will help drive the impact faster in the state.
The Cross River State Government says the initiative aligns with its broader agricultural development agenda, which aims to empower farmers and strengthen food systems across the state.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting farmers through capacity development and strategic partnerships.
“As part of the agricultural agenda, the government is committed to providing the requisite capacity and resources to support the farmers of Cross River. This training for yam farmers facilitated by IITA is the first and will be replicated across other crops like plantain.”
The collaboration reflects the importance of partnership between research institutions and government agencies in delivering innovation directly to farming communities.
Beyond improving farm productivity, the initiative also aims to strengthen agribusiness opportunities along the yam value chain. By developing community-based seed producers and improving access to quality seed technologies, the program seeks to create sustainable economic opportunities for farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
Farmers are already feeling the impact. Esther Emmanghe from Etung Local Government started sharing new techniques with fellow neighbors in her community immediately after the training.
“I told people about the minisett and vine cutting technology; many of us farmers will put together a group that will use all we learned during this training,” she added excitedly.
Dr Michael Udam, a secondary school vice principal and a yam farmer in Adagom community in the Ogoja local government, said that while he had some knowledge of vine cutting and minisett, the training provided new knowledge that he would pass to his community.
“I am happy that this training came now when some farmers have been complaining of traveling to far places like Taraba State to get seed yams to plant. With this training, I will start planting seed yams myself. I am sure some other farmers will do the same,” he said.
The IITA Yam Breeding Program under the leadership of Dr Asrat Amele continues to lead research and innovation that addresses the needs of farmers while promoting food security and rural development.
Through this initiative, IITA and its partners are working to ensure that improved technologies and knowledge reach farmers at scale and contribute to building a more resilient and profitable yam sector in Nigeria.
Contributed by ‘Timilehin Osunde
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