Driving nutrition, growing livelihoods with orange-fleshed sweet potato

7 April 2026

The Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples (SNiPS) Project, funded by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and implemented by IITA–CGIAR since inception has strengthened the OFSP value chain across production, vine multiplication, processing, marketing, and consumption. Evidence from implementation shows growing adoption of OFSP, with Mother’s Delight emerging as the preferred variety in both states due to its high yield and adaptability.

The project launched in March 2023, focused on Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP), a biofortified crop rich in beta-carotene (provitamin A) as a strategic entry point to address malnutrition while improving smallholder incomes.

With just 125 grams of OFSP being able to meet the daily vitamin A requirement for children and non-lactating women, making it a powerful nutrition-sensitive staple, the SNiPS project has increased the scaling of OFSP in Oyo and Benue States in Nigeria.

Over the project period, IITA-CGIAR trained 19 extension officers, who in turn provided step-down training to 818 farmers (472 women and 346 men) in good agronomic practices and vine multiplication. Demonstration activities exceeded targets, with 32 demonstration plots established across eight LGAs in Oyo and Benue States, double the original plan.

The project also strengthened local seed systems with a total of 38 active vine multipliers reached, supplying quality OFSP vines to farmers and to GAIN-supported input distributions.

Beyond production, SNiPS emphasized market access and value addition. During Farmers’ Field Days, farmers and youth entrepreneurs showcased OFSP-based products such as flour – for pastries like puff-puff, and local meals like amala, juice, and chips, creating demand and opening new income streams. Marketing committees were established in both states to support collective sales, strengthen bargaining power, and link farmers directly to buyers.

The project was formally concluded with a stakeholders’ engagement and project wrap-up meeting held on 19 December 2025. The hybrid meeting brought together extension agents, farmers, vine multipliers, marketing committee members, and government representatives from Oyo and Benue States to reflect on achievements, lessons learned, and sustainability pathways.

During the wrap-up meeting, Danjuma Ilu, GAIN Project Representative, highlighted that SNiPS was built around strengthening priority biofortified value chains. He noted that the project supported farmers in transitioning to biofortified crops and in integrating nutrient-rich foods into their farming practices and household diets.

He emphasized that, in Oyo and Benue States, the project made significant progress in improving the production and consumption of OFSP, contributing to sustainable agricultural development and enhanced livelihoods. Danjuma expressed appreciation to IITA-CGIAR and all stakeholders for their collaboration and confidence in the SNiPS project, stressing that its success depended on the collective efforts of donors, government institutions, partners, community leaders, and, most importantly, the farmers. He reaffirmed GAIN’s commitment to continued collaboration toward healthier diets and resilient food systems.

From IITA’s perspective, the results reflect the importance of moving beyond technology generation to real-world impact. Dr Debo Akande, IITA Director, Partnerships for Delivery Directorate and CEO of IITA Business Incubation Platform (IITA-BIP) and Project Lead for SNiPS, noted that through hands-on engagement with extension agents, farmers, and community actors, the project built confidence, skills, and ownership across the value chain. He observed that farmers, particularly women and youth, have increasingly adopted improved practices, while communities now recognize OFSP not only as a nutritious food but also as a viable enterprise. Endline survey evidence showing strong adoption, clear preference for the Mother’s Delight variety, and sustained demand for OFSP, he said, underscores the project’s long-term sustainability.

As the SNiPS project comes to a close, it leaves behind strengthened capacities, functional OFSP value chains, and empowered farming communities. With proven adoption of OFSP, functioning market structures, and committed stakeholders, the project has laid a solid foundation for scaling nutrition-sensitive staples and improving diets and livelihoods in Nigeria.

The wrap-up meeting marked a transition, towards sustained ownership, partnerships, and continued impact driven by Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato.

Contributed by Adebowale Akande