Oyo State Government is set to partner with the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to strengthen the cassava and cocoa value chains in the state.
The development was disclosed after a meeting between Governor Seyi Makinde and officials of CGIAR and IITA. In a statement signed by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the partnership is aimed at developing strategies to improve production, processing and value addition in both sectors.
CGIAR Chief Scientist, Sandra Milach, described Oyo as a state with enormous agricultural potential, noting that the collaboration would help identify challenges affecting cassava and cocoa value chains and provide scientific solutions to improve productivity and agribusiness development.
Milach explained that the partnership would focus on connecting every stage of the value chain, from farmers to processors and markets, while promoting the adoption of improved crop varieties to boost food security and farmers’ incomes.
Also speaking, IITA Deputy Director-General, Bernard Vanlauwe, said Oyo is one of Nigeria’s leading cassava-producing states with strong potential in cocoa production. He noted that IITA has extensive expertise in both crops and would work with the state to develop practical plans for advancing the two value chains.
According to Milach, science and innovation will play a crucial role in addressing bottlenecks such as processing, infrastructure and market access, ensuring that agricultural research translates into real economic benefits for farmers and agribusinesses.
She added that understanding the needs of processors and linking them with farmers would encourage the cultivation of high-yielding varieties that meet market demand, thereby improving productivity and creating sustainable value across the agricultural sector.
The CGIAR/IITA delegation, led by Director-General Dr. Simeon Ehui, included Dr. Tahirou Abdoulaye, Dr. Ibnou Deng and Mrs. Toyin Oke. The meeting was also attended by OYSADA Director-General, Dr. Debo Akande, and the Governor’s Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal.
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