BATN Foundation Launches Cassava Enterprise Initiative to Empower Smallholder Farmers in Osun State
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The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation, in collaboration with Cato Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts and the Osun State Government, has launched a transformative enterprise development initiative to boost cassava production and strengthen the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the state.
The Enterprise Development for Smallholder Cassava Farmers Project is designed to provide farmers with access to quality resources, markets, and training. At the flag-off ceremony, it was announced that 100 farmers will each cultivate half a hectare of improved, biofortified cassava varieties. These farmers will be grouped into Agri-Business Clusters (ABCs) and cooperatives, ensuring streamlined access to quality inputs, mechanization, financial services, and stronger collective bargaining power in the market.
The initiative aims to increase cassava yields and household income by at least 40%, while strengthening food security. Farmers will receive training in good agronomic practices, climate-smart agriculture, and enterprise management, supported by eco-efficient tools like the AKILIMO cassava tool to ensure sustainable production and profitable market integration.
Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATNF, emphasized that the Foundation’s work is about more than short-term support.
“Our interventions are designed not only to provide immediate support but also to foster long-term resilience and self-sufficiency among smallholder farmers,” he said.
He praised the partnerships with Osun State and other collaborators, noting that collective effort is key to sustaining impactful initiatives.
Pelumi Aribisala, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Cato Foods & Agroallied Global Concepts, added that the initiative will not only support farmers but also meet Nigeria’s growing industrial demand for cassava while strengthening national food systems.
Dignitaries present at the event included Oluwakemi Fadare, representative of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Osun State; the Olupo of Oluponna, Oba Abdul-Rafiu Oyekanmi Mosobalaje Bamigboye II; Atinuke Lebile, CEO of Cato Foods; and other stakeholders from the agricultural sector.
This tripartite collaboration underscores how partnerships, targeted interventions, and strategic investments can drive agricultural transformation. BATN Foundation reaffirmed its strategic focus on elevating smallholder productivity, promoting sustainability, and nurturing farmers into agribusiness entrepreneurs who will play a central role in Nigeria’s agricultural and economic development.