In a move set to redefine Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, a new initiative – the Micro Cassava Enterprise Support Programme – has been launched to transform small-scale cassava farming in Osun State into a profitable, thriving enterprise.
The initiative, which came up through a landmark between CATO Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts and the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), is targeted at empowering 100 smallholder farmers in Osun State.
This initiative will be executed through the provision of a comprehensive suite of resources, training, and, most critically, guaranteed market access.
Launched in Ayedire Council of the state, the programme’s core mission is to shift the mindset of farmers from mere producers to becoming dynamic agribusiness entrepreneurs.
According to the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of CATO Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts, Pelumi Aribisala, the initiative was meticulously designed to meet the burgeoning industrial demand for cassava, while simultaneously strengthening Nigeria’s food system.
“A key component of the programme is the provision of improved, high-yield cassava stems. The varieties distributed to benefiting farmers are capable of producing a staggering 45 to 50 tons per hectare, a significant leap from traditional yields. This ensures that farmers can achieve a bountiful harvest from their one-acre plots, “Aribisala explained.
According to him, the programme’s structure is built on a foundation of comprehensive, end-to-end support. “In CATO Foods, we leverage our in-house extension unit and business support services to train farmers on good agricultural practices, with regular farm monitoring. The support covers everything from land preparation to marketing, guaranteeing that farmers have the necessary tools and knowledge for success.”
Aribisala revealed that the pilot initiative, which targets 100 farmers, has ambitious plans for expansion. “We plan to empower an additional 500 farmers next year,” demonstrating a clear commitment to scaling the initiative and creating a wider impact.
The BATNF Project Manager, Adetola Oniyelu, emphasised that the partnership with CATO Foods is pivotal because it guarantees a ready market for the farmers’ produce. “CATO Foods, with its steady demand for cassava for factory operations, will serve as a reliable off-taker for the farmers’ harvest.
“This collaboration directly addresses one of the biggest challenges for smallholder farmers by ensuring they can sell their produce at a fair price. What is the point of supporting farmers with inputs if they cannot sell their produce?” Oniyelu asked rhetorically. This programme guarantees that farmers’ hard work translates into tangible income.”
He added that the Osun initiative is part of a broader BATNF strategy to empower smallholder farmers across Nigeria, with similar projects already established in Oyo, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Ekiti states.
The programme has garnered strong local support, with the Olupo of Oluponna, Oba Abdul Rafiu Oyekanmi Mosobalaje Bamigboye II, pledging his full backing.
He stated: “I am ready to provide all the necessary support to encourage farmers to do more. More food will come from here to contribute to our local economy and to Nigeria in general.”
In her keynote address, CATO Foods Co-Founder, Atinuke Lebile, stressed that the programme places a special emphasis on empowering women and youth. She highlighted that the partnership with BATNF is vital in addressing key farmer challenges, including limited access to quality inputs and market uncertainties.
“The programme would provide participating farmers with essential tools for success, including improved inputs, extension services, capacity building, and reliable markets,” Lebile said.
She also noted that each farmer will receive an input distribution card to ensure transparency and monitor the impact of every intervention.
Lebile described the initiative as a powerful testament to what is possible when the private sector, development partners, and farming communities unite with a shared vision.
