British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation, in partnership with Cato Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts and the Osun State Government, has launched a new enterprise development initiative to boost cassava production and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the state.
The programme, known as the Enterprise Development for Smallholder Cassava Farmers project, is designed to empower farmers by giving them access to markets, training, and essential agricultural resources.
At the flag-off ceremony held in Osun on Wednesday, it was announced that 100 participating farmers will each cultivate half-hectare plots using improved and biofortified cassava varieties. According to the General Manager of BATNF, Oludare Odusanya, these farmers will be organised into Agri-Business Clusters (ABCs) and cooperatives. This arrangement is intended to streamline access to quality inputs, mechanisation, and financial services.
“This bloc farming model is also expected to enhance their collective marketing power. The core objectives of the initiative are to increase cassava yield and household income by at least 40 per cent and enhance food security,” Odusanya said.
He further explained that the project is designed to establish a more efficient cassava value chain by training farmers in good agronomic practices, climate-smart agriculture, and enterprise management. He added that the adoption of eco-efficient tools such as the AKILIMO cassava tool will strengthen these efforts, ensuring sustainable market integration for farmers.
Highlighting the importance of grassroots empowerment, Odusanya stressed that the interventions are not only for immediate support but also to build long-term resilience and self-sufficiency. “Our interventions are designed not only to provide immediate support but also to foster long-term resilience and self-sufficiency among smallholder farmers,” he said.
He also commended the collaboration with Osun State and other partners, pointing out that collective efforts are vital to sustain and expand such projects.
The initiative’s mission, according to a statement released on Monday, is to shift the mindset of farmers from being producers to becoming agribusiness entrepreneurs.
Pelumi Aribisala, the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Cato Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts, said the programme was created to meet the growing industrial demand for cassava while at the same time strengthening Nigeria’s food system.
BATNF, according to its management, is focused on improving the productivity of smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable practices that can secure their livelihoods.
The flag-off event attracted dignitaries including the Representative of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems in Osun State, Oluwakemi Fadare, the Olupo of Oluponna, Oba Abdul-Rafiu Oyekanmi Mosobalaje Bamigboye II, CEO of Cato Foods, Atinuke Lebile, General Manager of BATNF, Odusanya Oludare, Project Manager of BATNF, Adetola Oniyelu, alongside other industry stakeholders.