The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), in collaboration with the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), and the Kolping Society of Nigeria, has taken a significant step towards enhancing cassava production in the Niger Delta by certifying 25 Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs (CSE).
This certification addresses the region’s long-standing challenges of low yields and vulnerability to diseases, equipping entrepreneurs with the skills and tools to produce high-quality, disease-resistant cassava stems. The certification workshop, held in Asaba, Delta State, convened key stakeholders, including agro-dealers, research institutions, and government officials. Participants were trained on seed certification standards, market opportunities, and business strategies, ensuring that certified entrepreneurs can provide high-quality stems to farmers, boosting agricultural productivity in the region.
Since its inception in 2018/2019 in collaboration with the Market Development in the Niger Delta (MADE), PIND’s CSE initiative has played a pivotal role in addressing the shortage of certified cassava stems. The latest certification of 25 entrepreneurs builds on earlier program phases, marking a milestone in PIND’s Market Systems Development (MSD) Program, which promotes pro-poor growth through market-driven solutions.
The workshop’s technical sessions focused on adhering to NASC’s certification standards and included valuable insights from experts at NRCRI on emerging market trends in cassava stem production. This knowledge enables participants to better navigate market fluctuations and expand their outreach to smallholder farmers.
Experience-sharing sessions allowed certified entrepreneurs to discuss challenges, including market instability, limited access to quality planting materials, and the impact of diseases. Despite these hurdles, many entrepreneurs shared stories of improved profitability and enhanced operations as a result of participating in the CSE program.
With stronger partnerships forged between CSEs, agro-dealers, and research institutions, PIND is poised to scale the CSE program further, improving cassava yields, food security, and economic growth in the Niger Delta. This initiative will significantly impact cassava production, transforming the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across the region.
