The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture’s Programme for Seed System Innovation for Vegetatively-propagated crops in Africa (PROSSIVA), is actively promoting seed delivery to rural communities through initiatives like the Irepodun Farmers’ Association, Jarija Branch in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Launched as part of the five-year PROSSIVA project, which began in December 2022, the aim is to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of vegetatively-propagated crop (VPC) seed systems in Africa. This initiative signifies a crucial step in PROSSIVA’s mission to establish seed hubs in different communities, integrating informal seed actors into formal systems. Notable attendees at the inauguration included representatives from the Irepodun Farmers’ Association and the Chairman of Eni-Osa Community in Lagelu LGA, Seyi Oyelade, who provided essential technical assistance, being longstanding partner of PROSSIVA.
PROSSIVA Extension Specialist, Dr. Idris Badiru, delivered a comprehensive presentation during the event, emphasising the importance of farmers cooperatives. He highlighted the core values and principles of cooperatives, advocating for their adoption among association members. Badiru also underscored the benefits of cooperatives, including their role in enabling economies of scale, providing access to government and development partner benefits, and offering avenues for training and capacity building. He also introduced the concept of community seed entrepreneurship, to association members and participants.
The Chairman of Eniosa Branch, Seyi Oyelade, had introduced and inaugurated the elected executive council of the Jarija Branch of the 13-member association, which is officially registered with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) that mainly comprises middle-aged and older individuals with plans for future growth. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the PROVISSA project consists of five major components focusing on banana, cassava, sweet potato, yam, and a cross-cutting component addressing issues common to several vegetatively-propagated crops.
