To enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods in the Niger Delta, in partnership with the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Umudike Seeds, CARA Foundation, and Kolping Society Nigeria, we have expanded our Cassava Seedling Training Program. Following the successful certification of 25 entrepreneurs in 2023, PIND has successfully trained an additional 30 entrepreneurs this year. The expanded program is designed to ensure better access to high-quality cassava seeds, strengthening support for local farmers and contributing to a more resilient agricultural system.
The training took place in Abia State on November 6th and 7th, 2024, and brought together 30 aspiring seedling entrepreneurs from across the nine states of the Niger Delta. The participants underwent hands-on training in seed multiplication, nursery management, and seedling distribution, equipping them to meet the growing demand for quality cassava seedlings among smallholder farmers.
With this new cohort, the program has now certified a total of 55 Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable seedling supply chain in the Niger Delta. We continue to support the development of a robust seed system, promoting long-term growth and sustainability in the region’s agricultural sector.
The program empowers entrepreneurs to increase cassava yields, improve food security, and raise farmer incomes by providing critical resources, training, and mentorship. Through ongoing capacity-building efforts, PIND’s Cassava Seedling Training Program is well-positioned to play a central role in transforming the agricultural landscape of the Niger Delta, enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, and driving economic development across the region.
