The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation, in partnership with Cato Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts and the Osun State Government, has launched an enterprise development initiative aimed at boosting cassava production and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the state.
The Enterprise Development for Smallholder Cassava Farmers Project is designed to empower farmers by providing access to resources, markets, and training. At the flag-off ceremony in Osun, it was announced that 100 farmers will each cultivate half a hectare of land using improved and biofortified cassava varieties.
To strengthen impact, the farmers will be organised into Agri-Business Clusters (ABCs) and cooperatives, enhancing access to inputs, mechanisation, and financial services. This bloc farming model is expected to increase yields, improve collective marketing power, and raise household incomes by at least 40 per cent.
The project also focuses on training farmers in good agronomic practices, climate-smart agriculture, and enterprise management, with eco-efficient tools such as the AKILIMO cassava app supporting sustainable production. A core component is ensuring sustainable market integration for participating farmers.
General Manager of BATN Foundation, Oludare Odusanya, said the initiative was about building long-term resilience. “Our interventions are designed not only to provide immediate support but also to foster self-sufficiency among smallholder farmers. With adequate resources, knowledge, and market access, farmers can uplift their communities and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s food security,” he said.
Managing Partner of Cato Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts, Pelumi Aribisala, noted that the project aligns with Nigeria’s growing industrial demand for cassava while strengthening the food system.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Representative of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems in Osun, Oluwakemi Fadare; the Olupo of Oluponna, Oba Abdul-Rafiu Oyekanmi Mosobalaje Bamigboye II; CEO of Cato Foods, Atinuke Lebile; and other stakeholders.
The tripartite partnership, according to the organisers, demonstrates how collaborative investments can transform agriculture and reposition smallholder farmers as agribusiness entrepreneurs.
