ADVANCING CASHEW SEED PRODUCTION IN OFU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KOGI STATE

By: – Victor Enemali, Joy Idris andJohn Adeyi

Ofu Local Government Area, nestled within the fertile lands of Kogi State, boasts a vibrant agricultural sector, with cashew seed production emerging as a significant economic driver. However, persistent challenges such as low seed quality, limited technical know-how, and inadequate market access have impeded the sector’s potential for growth and prosperity. Recognizing the pivotal role of cashew seeds in bolstering agricultural sustainability and rural livelihoods, Grace-Ali Health Foundation (GHF) embarked on a mission to augment seed production and catalyze positive transformation within the sector.

Project Objectives:

• To enhance the quality and quantity of cashew seed production through the adoption of best practices.
• To provide technical assistance and capacity building to empower local farmers and seed producers.
• To facilitate market linkages and create avenues for improved seed market access.
• To promote environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices within the cashew seed production ecosystem.

Project Activities:

Technical Training Workshops: The project conducted comprehensive training workshops designed to impart best practices in cashew seed production. Topics covered included nursery establishment, seedling management, pest and disease control, and post-harvest handling. These workshops equipped farmers with the requisite skills and knowledge to optimize seed production processes.

Capacity Building Initiatives: Capacity-building programs were initiated to bolster the capabilities of local farmers and seed producers. Through targeted training sessions, participants were empowered with insights into effective farm management, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills, fostering a culture of self-reliance and innovation within the community.

On-Site Demonstrations and Field Support: The project team provided on-site demonstrations and field support to farmers, offering personalized guidance on seedling care, pruning techniques, and soil fertility management. This hands-on approach facilitated experiential learning and enabled farmers to implement best practices with confidence.

Market Linkages and Value Addition: Efforts were made to forge strategic partnerships and facilitate market linkages between seed producers and buyers, including nurseries, agro-dealers, and agricultural cooperatives. Additionally, initiatives were undertaken to explore value addition opportunities within the seed production value chain, thereby enhancing the economic viability of seed production enterprises.

Environmental Sustainability: Environmental stewardship was prioritized through the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, including the utilization of organic fertilizers, water conservation measures, and agroforestry techniques. By integrating principles of sustainability into seed production activities, the project aimed to safeguard natural resources and promote ecological resilience.

 

Achievements:

Enhanced Seed Quality and Quantity: The project led to tangible improvements in the quality and quantity of cashew seeds produced within the region. Adoption of best practices resulted in healthier seedlings, increased germination rates, and higher yields, thereby enhancing the overall productivity of cashew seed production enterprises.

Empowered Farmers and Producers: Through capacity-building initiatives, local farmers and seed producers were empowered with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in the competitive agricultural landscape. Enhanced technical proficiency, coupled with entrepreneurial acumen, enabled participants to unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

Expanded Market Access: The project’s focus on market linkages and value addition created avenues for enhanced market access and improved profitability for seed producers. By connecting producers with reliable buyers and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders, the initiative catalyzed market-driven approaches to seed production and distribution.

Promoted Environmental Resilience: Environmental sustainability was advanced through the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and conservation measures. By promoting soil health, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience, the project contributed to the long-term sustainability of cashew seed production systems and fostered greater environmental stewardship within the community.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:

Market Dynamics: Fluctuations in market demand and pricing posed challenges to seed producers, highlighting the need for diversification strategies and adaptive management approaches to mitigate market risks.

Resource Constraints: Limited access to inputs, infrastructure, and financial resources emerged as barriers to scaling up seed production activities, underscoring the importance of continued investment in agricultural development initiatives.

Capacity Sustainability: Sustaining the momentum of capacity-building initiatives beyond the project duration necessitates ongoing support, collaboration, and knowledge exchange platforms to ensure the continued empowerment of local farmers and producers.

Feedbacks from farmers: –

Mrs. Ojonugwa Christopher: – “The project has opened up new opportunities for us to sell our cashew seeds. Through the market linkages facilitated by the Grace-Ali Health Foundation (GHF), I’ve been able to connect with reliable buyers willing to pay fair prices for our produce. This has boosted my income and improved my family’s livelihood.”

 

Mr. Nathaniel Ugbede:- “Since participating in the cashew seed production project, I’ve seen a significant improvement in both the quantity and quality of my cashew seeds. The training and support provided have helped me adopt better practices, resulting in healthier seedlings and higher yields.”

 

Mr. JoeakinOgbadu:- “The capacity-building workshops organized by the project team have been invaluable. I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge on seedling management, pest control, and post-harvest handling. Armed with this information, I feel more confident in my abilities as a seed producer and entrepreneur.”

Recommendations:

• Strengthen market intelligence mechanisms to enable seed producers to make informed decisions and adapt to evolving market dynamics.
• Foster public-private partnerships to leverage resources, expertise, and market networks for sustained growth and innovation within the seed production sector.
• Enhance collaboration with governmental agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to facilitate policy reforms and institutional support for agricultural development initiatives.

MISSION: – To empower youth to lead transformative change in society’s health landscape through creativity, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to global sustainability goals.

 

VISION: – Cultivating a society where physical, mental, and social health thrive.