IITA supports Oyo young farmers with inputs
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), under its Youth in Agribusiness Project, has distributed a wide range of farm inputs and equipment to about 70 young agribusiness entrepreneurs in Oyo State. This initiative, part of a nationwide rollout that previously covered Abuja, Kano, and Ogun States, aims to stimulate agribusiness start-ups and expand existing enterprises among young Nigerians.
At a handover ceremony held at IITA Headquarters in Ibadan, beneficiaries received tools and inputs tailored to critical value chains—including cassava, fishery, poultry, and horticulture. Items distributed included solar irrigation systems, improved crop varieties, fertilizers, gari fryers, vegetable seeds, and more.
Prof. Michael Abberton of IITA’s Genetic Resources Center, who spoke on behalf of senior management, urged recipients to harness the support system built by the project, emphasizing the ripple effect on employment and economic expansion. The CEO of IITA Youth Agripreneurs, Aline Mugisho (represented by a business development expert), underscored the importance of mentorship and ongoing support, reinforcing that “agribusiness is big business.”
A strong warning was issued by Project Coordinator Adebayo Awotodunbo regarding misuse or resale of the inputs, stating that beneficiaries found guilty would be dropped from the initiative. One beneficiary, Ayomikun Oyesiji, praised the program for revitalizing her agribusiness through hands-on training and support.
Source- Punch
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The IITA’s targeted intervention in Oyo State reflects a best-practice model in youth-driven agricultural transformation. Several implications emerge for stakeholders:
- Boost in Agribusiness Startups and Employment:
With access to critical inputs like solar irrigation, processing machinery, and improved seeds, young farmers are better positioned to increase productivity. This not only drives individual business growth but also fosters rural job creation—key for reducing youth unemployment. - Value Chain Strengthening:
Inputs provided span across essential agri-food value chains—cassava, fishery, poultry, and horticulture—indicating a systemic approach to integrated food systems. For policymakers and investors, this opens up opportunities to align infrastructure development and market access to these sectors. - Increased Emphasis on Accountability:
The decision to monitor and penalize resale of inputs sends a strong message on transparency and resource utilization. For donor agencies and governments, this model underscores the importance of monitoring and evaluation in agri-support programs to ensure sustainability. - Replicable Model for State and Local Governments:
Given the impact witnessed, state governments—especially those in the food basket regions of Nigeria—should consider replicating this partnership model. Collaboration with research institutions like IITA, paired with external funding and robust youth engagement, can be a cornerstone of state-level food security plans. - Need for Market Linkages and Financing Support:
While the distributed inputs address production capacity, stakeholders must now prioritize post-harvest handling, processing, and access to finance. Development partners, agri-tech firms, and commercial banks should seize this momentum to introduce market linkage platforms, offtake agreements, and soft-loan facilities for young agripreneurs.
Strategic Recommendation:
Local agribusiness hubs should integrate this model into regional plans, ensuring the youth beneficiaries are not only supported with inputs but also connected to structured markets, capacity development programs, and agritech innovations. Furthermore, a policy framework that incentivizes private sector co-investment in youth agribusiness programs can multiply impact and accelerate food system transformation.
