By Jide Akinseye
Nigeria’s drive towards food security received commendation by African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) which attributed high yields from farmers in Oyo State to the adoption of Good Agromonic Practices (GAP) and Mechanisation, having between 20 to 25 tons per hectare.
The commendation was made through a statement made available to journalists in Kaduna, AATF said for years, cassava farmers across Oyo State worked tirelessly on their fields, yet their harvests barely reflected their effort, pointing out that with yields averaging just 10 to 12 tons per hectare and in some cases as low as seven tons, many farmers remained trapped in a cycle of low productivity and modest incomes.
“the story is changing, through a targeted training programme on GAP and mechanisation, farmers are now achieving harvests of 20-25 t/ha, effectively doubling their yields. The foundation stated.
“Behind this transformation is a structured initiative led by the AATF in collaboration with other partners, designed to equip farmers with practical knowledge, modern tools, and market access,” it added.
According to AATF’s Cassava Mechanisation Project Coordinator, Samuel Ogunleye, who explained that “the training goes beyond theory,” saying, “it is about equipping farmers with the best practices for cultivating cassava and introducing mechanisation services that make farming more efficient and profitable.
”The programme is ambitious in both scope and impact. A total of 4,650 cassava farmers are currently being trained across seven local council areas in Oyo State, forming part of a broader target to reach 6,000 farmers within three years,” he said.
According to Dr. Adeyemi Olojede of the National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, Abia State, the training is held during the farming “slack season” in March and April—ensuring farmers can fully participate and immediately apply the lessons as the new planting season begins.
Participants say, training has been nothing short of transformative
A retired teacher – turned cassava farmer in Iseyin, Ogundiran Ganiyu recalled how a simple shift in land preparation changed everything; avoiding burning on farmland to preserve soil nutrients.
“I also learned to adopt improved cassava varieties sourced from research institutes such as IITA in Ibadan.”
Another farmer, Ismail Adekola Aremu, described the experience as eye-opening. He said.
He noted that from proper spacing techniques to the use of tractors, the training introduced him to practices he had never encountered before.
“What I learned here will improve my farming,” as he expressed excitement about the possibilities ahead.”
However, Adeniji Elizabeth, who studied agricultural education, said the training reinforced and deepened her knowledge, just as she highlighted “precise planting methods such as maintaining 1m by 0.8m spacing and proper land preparation as critical factors that directly influence yield.
“If you follow these practices, cassava farming will bring increased income,” she added.
Besides, AATF officials stressed further “the impact of the programme extends far beyond increased yields. Farmers now have access to mechanisation services, reducing the burden of manual labour and improving efficiency.
Even more importantly, they are linked to an assured market through a processing facility that converts cassava roots into High-Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF). This guaranteed offtake, eliminates the uncertainty that often plagues smallholder farmers.
AATF officials stressed further that the impact of the programme extends far beyond increased yields. Farmers now have access to mechanisation services, reducing the burden of manual labour and improving efficiency.
“Even more importantly, they are linked to an assured market through a processing facility that converts cassava roots into High-Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF). This guaranteed offtake, eliminates the uncertainty that often plagues smallholder farmers.
“The introduction of value-added training has also sparked excitement, especially among women, who see new opportunities to process cassava into flour and other confectionery products to generate additional income.
“Early results suggest that the initiative could deliver a 40–50 per cent increase in yields over current averages, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for processing factories while boosting household incomes,” the statement further explained.
“More importantly, it is igniting a shift in mindset. Farmers are no longer just producers; they are becoming agropreneurs, adopting innovations, embracing. mechanisation, and exploring new income stream….” the statement added
