News in brief:
– Agbeyewa Farms unveiled a 12-point agenda to empower farmers and drive Nigeria’s cassava revolution.
– The initiative includes cooperative farming, large-scale land development, and advanced agro-processing facilities.
Agbeyewa Farms Limited, a major player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, recently showcased its transformative 12-point agenda to revolutionise cassava farming and address food insecurity. The plan was unveiled during a high-profile visit by representatives from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The blueprint builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in May 2024 between Agbeyewa’s chairman, Niyi John Olajide, and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji. The partnership aims to establish a 100,000-hectare cassava farm, with operations anchored on cooperative farming models.
Empowering farmers through cooperatives
At the heart of the agenda is an in-grower/out-grower scheme, organising farmers into cooperatives of 100–150 members managing 500-hectare plots. This initiative will empower 1,500 farmers across 10 cooperatives, indirectly benefiting over 7,500 individuals, including their families. Through training, infrastructure support, and market integration, the program seeks to uplift local communities while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Investment opportunities and post-harvest loss reduction
Kabir Shagaya, Director of Strategy at Cavista Holdings (Agbeyewa Farms’ parent company), highlighted plans to attract international donors, including USAID and the United States African Development Foundation (USADF). These funds will target key areas such as farmer integration, infrastructure, and post-harvest loss reduction, ensuring efficiency and profitability.
The company has also partnered with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) for large-scale land clearing and preparation for the 2025 farming season. Additionally, Agbeyewa Farms plans to establish a Model Town with residential units, schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational spaces to support its farming communities.
Advanced agro-processing facilities
Seyi Aiyeleso, Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms, revealed that the company’s operating land is spread across nine communities and it is finalising a 26-hectare agro-processing plant. This facility will produce high-value cassava derivatives like flour, starch, and ethanol, offering a significant boost to Nigeria’s cassava value chain.
USAID delegates praised Agbeyewa Farms for its innovation, professionalism, and advanced farming techniques. The team inspected various cassava yields and acknowledged the farm’s potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
