Cato Foods and Agroallied Global Concepts, in partnership with the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) and the Osun State Government, has introduced a new programme aimed at increasing cassava yields and improving livelihoods of farmers in the state.
The project, known as Enterprise Development for Smallholder Cassava Farmers, is focused on helping local farmers improve their income by at least 40 percent while contributing to national food security.
Speaking during the announcement of the initiative, co-founder of Cato Foods, Pelumi Aribisala, said the programme represents a strategic approach to tackling rural poverty and food insecurity through agricultural innovation. According to him, the goal is to empower smallholder farmers with the necessary tools to grow their productivity and income sustainably.
He explained that 100 smallholder farmers will be supported in the first phase of the project, each cultivating half a hectare using improved cassava varieties. He noted that the farmers are being grouped into cooperatives to enhance access to inputs, equipment, and financial support, which will also help them secure better prices for their produce.
Aribisala further stated that the project goes beyond just cultivation, as participating farmers will receive training in climate-resilient agriculture, farm management, and basic business practices. “We are equipping them with practical knowledge that makes their farms more productive and profitable,” he noted.
He also highlighted the role of AKILIMO, a digital advisory tool that will guide farmers in making informed decisions about soil use, fertilizer application, and planting schedules. According to him, the tool has been proven to boost efficiency and yields when used correctly.
To ensure market stability, Aribisala revealed that Cato Foods will directly purchase cassava from the farmers at harvest. He explained that this guaranteed off-take model is aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and giving farmers confidence in their ability to earn a steady income.
He added that the initiative includes a revolving grant structure, where funds are reinvested after each farming cycle to support more farmers and scale the programme over time. “It’s a model that promotes sustainability and long-term impact,” he said.
According to Aribisala, the project is also expected to create jobs in rural areas, reduce youth unemployment, and strengthen the agricultural value chain in Osun State. He noted that increasing cassava production will help meet the rising demand from food processors and related industries.
The programme will officially launch on Thursday next week, with Otunba Babatola Faseru, Osun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, expected to attend as the special guest. Aribisala expressed optimism about the collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders, stating that, “This is only the beginning of what will hopefully be a transformational journey for smallholder farmers in Osun.”
