By Abdullahi Lukman
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has distributed crucial farming equipment and inputs to 70 young farmers in Oyo State under its Youth in Agribusiness Project.
The initiative, aimed at supporting agribusiness start-ups and expansion, is part of IITA’s broader efforts to empower youth and promote sustainable agriculture.
The distribution event, held at the IITA headquarters in Ibadan, saw beneficiaries receive various items, including solar irrigation systems, improved cassava stems, rotary slashers, fertilizers, improved maize seeds, fish and poultry feed, and gari fryers.
Other distributed tools included generators, knapsack sprayers, seedling trays, and gari pressers, designed to enhance productivity across various agricultural sectors.
Prof. Michael Abberton, Head of the Genetic Resources Center at IITA, who represented the senior management team, congratulated the recipients and stressed the importance of utilizing the support network provided by the project.
“This initiative is vital for your growth. Your businesses will not only scale but will also create employment as they expand,” Abberton said, noting the broad impact across multiple agricultural value chains such as cassava, fishery, poultry, and horticulture.
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Aline Mugisho, CEO of IITA Youth Agripreneurs, was also represented by Business Development Expert Idowu Osun, who emphasized the importance of continuous mentorship for the beneficiaries. “Agribusiness is big business, and we are here to help you grow.
Take full advantage of our coaching programs and networking opportunities,” Osun encouraged the young farmers.
Project Coordinator Adebayo Awotodunbo expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom of the Netherlands for supporting the initiative and emphasized the need for proper use of the distributed items. “Our team will monitor how the inputs are being used.
If any beneficiary is found to have sold the items, they will be removed from the program,” he warned.
One of the beneficiaries, Ayomikun Oyesiji, shared her experience, highlighting the significant impact the program had on her business.
“The training provided me with valuable insights into managing my farm. Since then, my business has undergone a remarkable turnaround,” Oyesiji said.
This initiative is expected to continue providing resources and mentorship to young farmers, fostering growth in the agriculture sector and creating employment opportunities for youth in the region.
