BATNF, partners commit to boost cassava production in Osun
The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation, in collaboration with Cato Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts and the Osun State Government, has launched a new initiative to transform cassava production and empower smallholder farmers in the state.
The Enterprise Development for Smallholder Cassava Farmers Project is designed to boost farmer productivity, improve livelihoods, and strengthen Nigeria’s cassava value chain.
At the flag-off ceremony in Osun on Wednesday, it was announced that 100 farmers would each cultivate half a hectare of land using improved and biofortified cassava varieties. According to BATN Foundation’s General Manager, Oludare Odusanya, the farmers will be organised into Agri-Business Clusters (ABCs) and cooperatives to improve access to inputs, mechanisation, finance, and collective market opportunities.
The initiative also integrates eco-efficient innovations such as the AKILIMO cassava tool, alongside training in good agronomic practices, climate-smart agriculture, and enterprise management.
Odusanya emphasised that the programme seeks not only to increase yields and household income by at least 40%, but also to build long-term resilience and self-sufficiency for rural farmers.
Cato Foods Co-Founder, Pelumi Aribisala, highlighted the role of the project in meeting Nigeria’s growing industrial demand for cassava, while creating sustainable livelihoods for farmers.
In attendance were key dignitaries including representatives of the Osun State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, traditional leaders, and agribusiness stakeholders.
Source: Tribune Online
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The BATN Foundation cassava initiative reflects a strategic private–public collaboration with potential to reshape cassava production systems in Nigeria. Key takeaways for stakeholders include:
- Cassava as a Dual-Purpose Crop
Beyond being a staple food, cassava is central to Nigeria’s industrial value chain—supporting starch, flour, ethanol, and livestock feed industries. This project’s focus on biofortified varieties directly addresses nutrition while tapping into industrial demand. - Cluster-Based Farming Model
Organising farmers into Agri-Business Clusters (ABCs) reduces production fragmentation, enhances access to finance, and strengthens bargaining power in markets. This model could serve as a replicable blueprint for other states seeking scale in smallholder productivity. - Technology-Driven Productivity
The adoption of the AKILIMO tool represents a shift towards digital and data-driven extension services. If scaled effectively, such tools can standardise best practices, reduce inefficiencies, and increase farmer profitability. - Sustainability and Resilience
The emphasis on climate-smart practices ensures the programme aligns with Nigeria’s climate adaptation priorities. It not only boosts yields but also enhances long-term resilience against climate variability and market shocks. - Farmer-to-Entrepreneur Transition
A major value of the initiative lies in shifting farmers’ roles from mere producers to agribusiness entrepreneurs. With access to structured markets, training, and financing, smallholders can evolve into commercial-scale actors, ultimately attracting youth into agriculture.
Conclusion
This cassava development initiative demonstrates how partnerships between corporates, agribusinesses, and government can catalyse agricultural transformation. For stakeholders, the next step is ensuring scalability—expanding beyond 100 farmers, integrating processing industries for guaranteed markets, and embedding financial institutions to sustain investments. If effectively implemented, Osun’s cassava project could emerge as a model of smallholder-driven value chain transformation in Nigeria.
