In the quest to comprehend the initiatives undertaken by the Oyo State government to propel the business facet of agriculture, FarmingFarmersFarms embarked on an exploration in Saki, Oyo State. The primary focus was on residents engaged in agriculture around the significant office in the region. At the forefront of these efforts is the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), which aims to foster an environment conducive to agribusiness growth through infrastructure development and policy formulation.
Investigations revealed that the current OYSADA office in Saki was once occupied by the Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADEP) before undergoing renovations and transformation into OYSADA. However, citizens voiced concerns, highlighting that members of the previous OYSADEP and key stakeholders and staff were relocated to the state capital upon establishing the new programme. Despite hopes for beneficial outcomes from the government’s initiative, citizens expressed dissatisfaction with the inconsistent functioning of the Saki office. Saki, known for its robust farming activities extending throughout Oke-Ogun, possesses the potential to be a focal point for OYSADA’s agribusiness endeavours.
However, some farmers lamented that only the guest house associated with the agency is currently fully operational. Delving deeper into the situation, it became apparent that the agency has been actively operating from the state capital, notably distributing farm inputs to 965 farmers in various local government areas (LGAs) of Oyo in August 2023. In LGAs such as Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, and Ido, 250 beneficiaries received support. While this distribution effort reflects the commitment of OYSADA and the Oyo State government to bolstering the agriculture sector, the Saki region, where the agency is situated, must bear testimony to these initiatives.
There is a pressing need for consistent and visible support to agribusiness activities, considering the urgency of addressing the state’s food production and insecurity challenges. The agency’s distribution of farm inputs demonstrates a positive stride, but the Saki office must play a more active role in facilitating and sustaining agribusiness ventures. Collaborative efforts between OYSADA, local farmers, and stakeholders in Saki can pave the way for a thriving agribusiness environment, contributing significantly to the state’s overarching goal of ensuring food security and fostering agricultural sustainability. In tandem with the agency, the state government should strive for a harmonious blend of centralised operations and localised impact, ensuring that the entire agricultural landscape of Oyo benefits from these crucial initiatives.
