Lagos women, youths receive boost on cultivation, processing of orange fleshed sweet potato

Over 300 women, youths, and extension officers in Lagos State have been trained in the production, processing, and popularization of the orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP). This initiative, spearheaded by the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA) and the State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN), highlights the crop’s immense nutritional and economic potential.

The training, held at the LSADA training hall in Oko-Oba Agege, aligns with Lagos State’s THEMES Agenda, particularly its focus on building a 21st-century economy. Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, emphasized the importance of food security in promoting citizens’ health and economic well-being. Represented by Omodunbi Oluwatoyin, she reiterated that agriculture offers low-hanging opportunities for empowering women and youths, who constitute over 60% of the state’s population.

Participants were equipped with skills to cultivate OFSP using simple techniques, such as planting in sacks or small spaces without fertilizers. The training also focused on value addition, demonstrating how OFSP can be processed into products like flour, garri, chin-chin, and cake, making it a versatile and marketable crop.

Experts at the event, including Justina Balogun, Head of Women in Agriculture and Nutrition, and Alade Adewale, Acting Programme Manager of LSADA, highlighted the crop’s benefits and export potential. Balogun described OFSP as an easy-to-grow, nutrient-rich variety suitable for urban environments, while Adewale emphasized its potential for income generation through local and international markets. Participants were also provided with OFSP vines and trained in value addition techniques to maximize their economic gains.

Dr. Sakidu Bukola, Head of Crop Development at LSADA, underscored the crop’s high-yielding and early-maturing characteristics, making it a practical choice for small-scale and large-scale farmers.
Source- Tribune

Expert Review: Insights for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The introduction and promotion of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) in Lagos State is a strategic move to address food security while unlocking agribusiness opportunities. This initiative offers a replicable model for empowering marginalized groups and leveraging agriculture as a driver of economic development.

Key Takeaways for Stakeholders:

1. Nutritional Benefits: OFSP is rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which is essential for immune function and vision. Its popularization can help combat nutritional deficiencies in Lagos and beyond.
2. Urban Farming Opportunities: The crop’s adaptability to urban environments, requiring minimal space and inputs, makes it ideal for Lagos’ densely populated areas.
3.  Value Addition and Market Expansion: Processing OFSP into diverse products offers significant income-generating opportunities. With proper branding and marketing, these derivatives can attract local consumers and international markets.
4. Youth and Women Empowerment: Training women and youths in agribusiness aligns with sustainable development goals, fostering self-reliance and reducing unemployment.
5. Export Potential: Beyond local consumption, OFSP products can meet rising global demand for nutrient-dense foods, providing an avenue for foreign exchange earnings.

Recommendations for Enhanced Impact:

1. Capacity Building: Regular workshops should be organized to enhance farmers’ skills in OFSP agronomy, processing, and marketing.
2. Access to Financing: Government and financial institutions should facilitate credit schemes for women and youths engaged in OFSP farming and processing.
3.  Infrastructure Support: Establishing small-scale processing centers can ease production challenges and ensure consistent product quality.
4. Policy Backing: Integrate OFSP production and processing into state and national agricultural policies to ensure continuity and scalability.
5. Market Linkages: Facilitate partnerships with exporters, retailers, and food companies to create a sustainable value chain.

By addressing these areas, Lagos State can solidify its position as a leader in OFSP agribusiness, ensuring food security and economic empowerment for its citizens.