Matna Foods Company in collaboration with key ministries in Ondo State has launched a new agricultural initiative aimed at expanding opportunities for young farmers and strengthening the cassava value chain in the state. The programme is part of the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise (WISE) initiative, which is designed to empower about 3,000 youth farmers as outgrowers.
A large portion of the beneficiaries are expected to be women between the ages of 18 and 35. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta Foundation and seeks to strengthen participation of young people in cassava farming while improving their access to markets.
Under the partnership, participants will receive improved planting materials, technical training and extension support. They will also benefit from structured market access through processing facilities operated by Matna Foods, ensuring that farmers have a reliable outlet for their produce.
Managing Director of Matna Foods Company Limited and Agbeyewa Farms, Mr Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, explained during a stakeholder engagement held at the company’s processing facility that the initiative is designed to create a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits both farmers and agro processing companies.
According to him, linking young farmers to organised markets not only improves their livelihoods but also ensures steady supply of raw materials for processing industries. He noted that the initiative reflects the vision of the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Mr Niyi Olajide, who believes that businesses should play an active role in improving communities and transforming lives.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olaleye Akinola, described agriculture as a major driver of economic growth and said the ministry is ready to support initiatives that strengthen the cassava value chain. He noted that the state government will work with relevant stakeholders to provide land, technical support and other resources needed to make the programme successful.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Seun Bosede Osamaye, commended the initiative for its strong focus on empowering young women and vulnerable groups. She said programmes of this nature help women gain financial independence while enabling them to contribute meaningfully to community development.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmmi, stated that creating opportunities for young people remains a priority for the ministry. He said agriculture has the capacity to absorb a large number of youths and initiatives such as the one driven by Matna Foods can help equip them with the skills required for productive engagement.
Project Coordinator of the initiative, Mr Ayo Obe, explained that the programme will run for 39 months and will cover two farming cycles. Beneficiaries will begin cultivation on about 0.4 hectares of farmland and may expand their production capacity as they gain more experience.
He added that the combination of training, extension services and guaranteed market access through Matna Foods processing operations is expected to encourage long term participation of young farmers in cassava production and contribute to economic growth in Ondo State.
