Oyo partners CGIAR, IITA to strengthen cassava, cocoa value chains

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has partnered with the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to strengthen the state’s cassava and cocoa value chains through research-driven interventions aimed at boosting productivity and value addition.

The partnership was announced after a meeting between Governor Seyi Makinde and officials of CGIAR and IITA. According to a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the collaboration will focus on developing practical strategies to improve production, processing and value addition across both agricultural sectors.

CGIAR Chief Scientist Sandra Milach said Oyo has enormous agricultural potential and that the partnership would identify key challenges affecting the cassava and cocoa value chains while providing science-based solutions to improve productivity and agribusiness development.

Milach said the initiative would integrate every stage of the value chain, from farmers and processors to markets, while promoting the adoption of improved crop varieties capable of enhancing food security and increasing farmers’ incomes.

She noted that science and innovation would play a critical role in addressing constraints such as inadequate processing, poor infrastructure and limited market access, ensuring that agricultural research delivers measurable economic benefits for farmers and agribusinesses.

Milach added that understanding the needs of processors and strengthening their links with farmers would encourage the cultivation of high-yielding crop varieties that meet market demands, improve productivity and create sustainable value across the agricultural sector.

IITA Deputy Director-General Bernard Vanlauwe described Oyo as one of Nigeria’s leading cassava-producing states with significant potential for cocoa production. He said the institute would work closely with the state government to develop practical plans for advancing both value chains.

The CGIAR and IITA delegation was led by Director-General Dr. Simeon Ehui and included Dr. Tahirou Abdoulaye, Dr. Ibnou Deng and Mrs. Toyin Oke. Also at the meeting were the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, Dr. Debo Akande, and the governor’s Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal.