IITA hosts farmers for hands-on training on improved yam cultivation

22 May 2026

 

Dr Olugboyega Pelemo handing over yam seeds to participating farmers at the Outreach.
Dr Olugboyega Pelemo handing over yam seeds to participating farmers at the Outreach.

IITA–CGIAR recently hosted an impactful farmers’ outreach program through the RadioIITA outreach initiative in collaboration with the IITA Yam Breeding Program to equip local farmers and community members with practical knowledge on improved yam seedling production and modern planting techniques. The outreach aimed to strengthen food security, agricultural productivity, and farmer empowerment.

Cross-section of the facilitators and participating farmers with the IITA team.

Participants learned innovative methods such as cutting yam tubers into smaller seed pieces and treating them before planting, a technique designed to improve planting efficiency, maximize resources, and increase harvest yield. Through interactive teaching sessions, practical demonstrations, and farmer engagement, participants gained firsthand experience with easier and more productive approaches to yam farming.

This method allows farmers to produce more planting material from a single yam, reduces waste, lowers planting costs, and makes yam cultivation more accessible to both large- and small-scale farmers. Participants also learned the importance of proper spacing, soil preparation, and seed treatment to improve germination and overall farm productivity.

Some of the participating farmers during the field hands-on practicals.
Some of the participating farmers during the field hands-on practicals.

Through interactive teaching sessions, demonstrations, and farmer engagement, participants gained firsthand experience with easier and more productive approaches to yam farming. To support immediate adoption, they were also provided with seedlings to practice the techniques on their own farms.

During interviews, several participants described the training as valuable and transformative. Participant Emmanuel Folorunsho said the outreach introduced him to a new method of planting yams, which he believes will greatly improve his yield and overall farm productivity.

Another participant, Idihosa, a fashion designer, expressed her excitement about the knowledge gained. Although she is not a farmer, she said the training inspired her to start planting yams herself, share the knowledge with others, and apply what she learned from IITA in her daily life. Her testimony showed how agricultural knowledge can benefit people from diverse professions and backgrounds.

Beyond knowledge sharing, the outreach reflected IITA’s continued commitment to improving livelihoods, enhancing food systems, and promoting sustainable agricultural development. By directly engaging communities with practical solutions and improved farming techniques, IITA continues to bridge the gap between agricultural research and real-life farming practices, ensuring that innovation reaches those who need it most.

Contributed by Tolulope Akinola and Anu Oyeleye