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Promoting Sustainable Agriculture Through Certified Cassava Seeds
The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has urged social media influencers in Benue and Nasarawa States to raise awareness about the economic and agricultural benefits of certified, disease-free cassava seeds.
This call was made during a recent workshop in Makurdi under the Building an Economically Sustainable Integrated Cassava Seed System Phase II (BASICS II) project. The event focused on equipping influencers with the tools and knowledge to promote sustainable farming practices through digital platforms.
Why Social Media Matters in Agricultural Transformation
Speaking at the event, Ms. Aveseh Asough, the BASICS II communication focal person, emphasized the power of social media in transforming agriculture:
- It connects farmers to new knowledge and real-time updates.
- It provides access to market prices and weather forecasts.
- It allows farmers to share best practices and success stories.
According to her, influencers simplify complex topics using relatable content like videos, stories, and images. This builds trust and encourages farmers to adopt improved practices.
Driving Economic Growth with Improved Seed Systems
Asough highlighted key benefits of the BASICS II model:
- Boosts cassava productivity by providing high-quality planting materials.
- Establishes a structured and sustainable seed supply chain.
- Reduces dependence on low-yield, disease-prone cassava varieties.
Despite these gains, she noted that many farmers still use recycled seeds, which limit output and reduce income potential.
Empowering Influencers to Promote Sustainable Agriculture
The workshop aimed to:
- Train influencers in effective content creation for agriculture.
- Help them understand the BASICS II seed system and its economic value.
- Create a network of informed digital advocates for sustainable farming.
By amplifying the benefits of certified seeds, influencers can help drive adoption, improve yields, and boost local economies.
Enhancing Food Security and Productivity in Nigeria
Mr. Jonathan Yassah, Programme Officer for Market Oriented Agriculture (MOA), reaffirmed SAA’s mission to improve food security across Africa. He shared that:
- 14 extension agents were trained in March 2024.
- There is a growing demand for certified cassava seeds in both states.
- Challenges include limited stem supply and distribution gaps.
Conclusion
Promoting the use of improved cassava seeds aligns with Nigeria’s goals for sustainable agriculture, food security, and economic growth. Through the support of social media influencers, rural farmers can access life-changing knowledge that not only enhances yield but also strengthens local economies.
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