Farmer cooperatives essential to grassroots seed delivery

18 December 2023

The IITA–PROSSIVA project, a key player in promoting seed delivery to rural communities, launched the Irepodun Farmers’ Association, Jarija Branch, in Akinyele Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State, Nigeria, on 23 November.

This event marked an essential step in PROSSIVA’s mission to establish seed hubs in various communities and integrate informal seed actors into formal systems. The focus was creating registered groups and cooperatives to bolster rural seed distribution.

Representatives from the Irepodun Farmers’ Association, including the Chairman of Eni-Osa Community in Lagelu LGA, Seyi Oyelade, attended the inauguration with most of the members from the Jarija Community Branch. Notably, the Eni-Osa Branch, a longstanding partner of PROSSIVA, provided crucial technical assistance in establishing and registering the Jarija Branch.

Members of the Eniosa Irepodun Farmers Association.
Members of the Eniosa Irepodun Farmers Association.

PROSSIVA Extension Specialist Dr Idris Olabode Badiru delivered a comprehensive presentation on the significance of farmer cooperatives. He emphasized the core values and principles of cooperatives, advocating for their adoption among the association members. Badiru also highlighted the benefits of cooperatives, including their role in enabling economies of scale, facilitating access to various government and development partner benefits, and providing avenues for training and capacity building.

During the event, Badiru introduced the concept of community seed entrepreneurship, offering this opportunity to association members and participants.

Eniosa Branch Chairman Oyelade introduced and inaugurated the recently elected executive council of the Jarija Branch during the event. The 13-member association, comprised mostly of middle-aged and older people, is officially registered with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and plans to grow over time.

The event showcased PROSSIVA’s commitment to grassroots engagement, promoting cooperative principles, and empowering rural communities in Oyo State’s agricultural landscape.

Contributed by Victoria Adabale