Kwara State initiative to tackle food insecurity with Brazilian jumbo cashew seedlings

To combat endemic food insecurity, Kwara State has launched a significant agricultural initiative – the Jife Foundation, which has distributed 10,000 seedlings of the Brazilian Jumbo Cashew to farmers from various wards in the Irepodun Local Government Area.

The distribution event, themed “Planting the Tree of Generational Wealth,” took place at the Anglican Girls College in Iludun-Oro, Irepodun LGA, recently.

This initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity and promote economic stability.

Mr. Deji Adeleke, the founder of the Jife Foundation, emphasized the project’s goals: “The strategy is to empower 10,000 households with Brazilian jumbo cashew seedlings to boost commerce within the Irepodun LGA and surrounding areas, thereby promoting wealth creation through innovative agropreneurs.”

He further explained that the Foundation’s primary focus includes repositioning youth leadership, promoting technology education, and addressing the deficit in innovative agropreneurs.

Mr. Adeleke highlighted that the distribution of cashew seedlings is a follow-up to the Foundation’s computer skills empowerment program.

“This initiative will broaden opportunities for youth in the local government and promote larger-scale commerce,” he noted.

Mrs. Ife Adeleke, co-founder of the Foundation, urged beneficiaries to form cashew cooperatives to maximize the benefits of this initiative.

She pointed out the significant potential of the Brazilian jumbo cashew, which can yield crops three times a year after three years of nurturing.

“Mass production of cashew will inject more money, entrench shared prosperity, and attract factories to the neighborhood,” she assured.

In her address, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the Kwara State Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development, represented Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq.

She commended the Foundation for its foresight and commitment to strengthening farmers’ capacities in the state.

Representatives of the farmers, Mrs. Victoria Dada and Mr. Olawuyi Olabode, expressed their determination to ensure the scheme’s success.

“We will plant the seedlings with enthusiasm, expecting bountiful harvests after three years,” they concluded.