The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has empowered 400 smallholder farmers in Edo State through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Livelihood Project, in conjunction with Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc (OOPC).
Mr Misan Sillo, Economic Development Manager of PIND, disclosed this at a Green Field Day organised for farmers in Udo and 16 other communities around Okomu Oil Palm Company under the PIND/OOPC CSR Livelihood Project.
He said the initiative aimed to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen livelihoods and create sustainable economic opportunities for farmers and communities in the state.
Sillo, represented by the Senior Adviser of the PIND Foundation, Mr Tuoyo Blessing, said the project focused on providing farmers with technical knowledge and improved agricultural practices through local service providers.
He noted, however, that training alone might not necessarily translate into adoption. He stressed the need for farmers to see improved practices demonstrated and to have access to quality inputs, services and markets.
According to him, the Green Field Day provides an opportunity for farmers to move from the classroom to the farm and practically engage with improved agricultural practices, including good agricultural practices and climate-smart approaches.
“We want farmers to leave here not only with new knowledge but with a clearer understanding of what they can do differently on their own farms and where they can access the services and inputs required to do so,” he said.
Sillo explained that PIND’s approach was centred on strengthening the agricultural market system rather than creating dependency. He said the organisation worked with technical and business service providers, input suppliers, financial institutions, market actors and government institutions to create an environment where farmers could sustainably access needed services and opportunities.
He encouraged the farmers to adapt and replicate the improved practices on their farms to enhance productivity, profitability and resilience. He added that the foundation would continue to promote farmers’ access to knowledge, quality inputs, finance, markets and sustainable technical and business development services.
Also speaking, Dr Graham Hefer, Managing Director of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, said the company started its smallholder farmer programme in 2021 as part of efforts to empower youths and people in its host communities.
Hefer, represented by Mr Sam Aisien, Smallholder Manager at the company, said the partnership with PIND was established to strengthen the company’s efforts to support farmers and promote practical agricultural development.
“We believe that agriculture is not theoretical work. Agriculture is practical. It is the way people live and what they do,” he said.
He said the Green Field Day was designed to provide farmers with practical demonstrations and expose them to improved farming methods that could increase their productivity.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Chief Francis Ihama commended PIND and its partners for their continuous training and empowerment of farmers, adding that the knowledge acquired would help them improve their farming.
Some of the farm inputs distributed included 400 50kg bags of NPK 15:15 fertiliser, cassava stems and herbicides.
