Cato Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts, in partnership with the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) and Osun State, is collaborating to improve the nation’s estimated 62.7 million metric tonnes of cassava output. Nigeria still maintains its position as the world’s largest producer of the crop.
Co-Founder of Cato Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts, Pelumi Aribisala, said his organization, along with BATNF, has launched a transformative enterprise development initiative aimed at boosting cassava production and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Osun State.
He explained that the “Enterprise Development for Smallholder Cassava Farmers” project is designed to empower farmers by providing access to essential resources and training.
Aribisala stated: “Each of the 100 participating farmers will cultivate a half-hectare plot using improved and biofortified cassava varieties. They are being organised into Agri-Business Clusters (ABCs) and cooperatives to streamline access to quality inputs, mechanization, and financial services. This bloc farming model will also enhance their collective marketing power.”
He added that the core objectives of the initiative are to increase cassava yield and household income by at least 40% and enhance food security. “By training farmers in good agronomic practices, climate-smart agriculture, and basic enterprise management, the project seeks to establish a more efficient and profitable cassava value chain. The adoption of eco-efficient tools, such as the AKILIMO cassava tool, will further support these efforts. A key component of the project is ensuring sustainable market integration.
Cato Foods will act as an off-taker, providing a ready market for the farmers’ produce and addressing a common challenge for smallholder producers.
The project also features a revolving grant structure, which will ensure its long-term sustainability and scalability. Recovered funds will be reinvested into future cycles, allowing new beneficiaries to join the program.”
According to Aribisala, the collaboration with BATNF is expected to create direct and indirect rural employment, boost local economies, and help Cato Foods meet the increasing industrial demand for its products.
He said: “This project is designed for high-impact delivery, creating both direct and indirect rural employment, boosting local economies, and expanding Cato Foods’ supply chain to meet increasing industrial demand. By the end of the first cycle, the project aims to establish a thriving cassava value chain driven by empowered smallholder farmers, modern production systems, and inclusive agribusiness models, thereby positioning Osun State as a flagship hub for sustainable cassava enterprise.”
The programme will be launched on Thursday next week with the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Otunba Babatola Faseru, as the special guest of honor.
