The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and its partners are poised to unveil a state-of-the-art cassava processing facility in Oyo State, heralding a new era of cassava production and processing in the Southwest region. This initiative aims to uplift livelihoods and foster opportunities for local communities.
In collaboration with Agridrive Nigeria, Clayuca Corporation, and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, through the Fund for Promotion of Innovation in Agriculture (i4Ag), funded and commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the project will be rolled out across Oyo and Ogun States.
Building upon the achievements of the Cassava Mechanisation and Agro-processing Project (CAMAP), which significantly increased cassava yield from seven to 30 tons per hectare in the Southwest, this endeavor is set to revolutionize cassava cultivation and processing.
AATF highlights that the facility will enhance access to modern technologies for cassava production, processing, and utilization, thereby boosting productivity, food security, and nutrition while mitigating post-harvest losses. Innovations include mechanized production and processing, farmer aggregation, and digital tools for providing field services to smallholder cassava farmers.
By harnessing the agricultural potential of the region, AATF aims to spur rural development and create employment opportunities. Notably, the project prioritizes sustainability and environmental stewardship by implementing eco-friendly practices and energy-efficient technologies, setting a precedent for responsible industrial development in agriculture.