Cassava Value Chain: A Key Driver for Nigeria’s Economic Growth, Says Expert

Cassava Value Chain: A Key Driver for Nigeria’s Economic Growth, Says Expert

Agbeyewa Farms, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, has emphasised the potential of the cassava value chain to significantly boost Nigeria’s economy.

During a recent session at the Oodua International Trade Fair in Ibadan, the managing director, Oskar Ayeleso, outlined the company’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a vital sector for economic growth and job creation in the country.

In collaboration with the Ekiti State Government, Agbeyewa Farms is focused on developing robust infrastructure to support agricultural development.

The state is also working on activating Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones in partnership with the African Development Bank, aimed at enhancing agricultural production and generating jobs.

Ayeleso announced the company’s ambition to establish a world-class agro-processing plant alongside extensive cassava plantations by 2026.

He credited Niyi John Olajide, chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, for leading efforts to position the company as a top agro-allied enterprise in Africa, particularly in Ekiti State.

“Our goal is to innovate within the agricultural sector by connecting farmers to markets and fostering community prosperity,” Ayeleso stated.

He highlighted that Agbeyewa Farms has experienced remarkable growth since its inception, expanding its workforce from five to over 200 employees and increasing its cultivated land from 100 to 1,500 hectares.

The company’s approach to community engagement has fostered collaborative partnerships and plans for further expansion to 10,000 hectares across nine communities, which is projected to increase the workforce to over 500 employees, thereby stimulating local economies.

With significant investments in equipment, including over 25 tractors, Agbeyewa Farms is preparing for future growth.

Ayeleso expressed gratitude to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for creating a conducive environment for business development, reinforcing hopes for achieving food security in Nigeria.

Ejitola Azeez, a value chain manager at Agbeyewa, explained that the farm collaborates with local cassava farmers by providing quality seeds and a buy-back scheme to ensure sustainable farming practices.

“We assist them in cultivation and provide a collaborative model of 70 percent to 30 percent between our ingrower and outgrower farmers,” she noted.

Babajide Akinsinde, general manager of Agbeyewa Farms, pointed out that farmers need to cultivate at least 15 tons of cassava to maintain viability amid rising costs.

He highlighted the strategic choice of cassava varieties, including Ayaya, Dickson, 419, and White Lion, aimed at producing industrial starch and ensuring high yields.

“We currently operate on about 10,000 hectares in Ekiti State and plan to acquire more land. To meet growing processing demands, we are inviting more farmers to collaborate with us,” Akinsinde concluded.

With these initiatives, Agbeyewa Farms is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and economic resilience.