Farmers’ access to improved yam varieties is vital for boosting yields and improving livelihoods. In Benue, Cross River, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger and Oyo states, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, yam farmers are adopting the newly released varieties from IITA–CGIAR as these varieties promise higher yields and better resilience.
Over the past two decades, yam cultivation has declined due to the unavailability of preferred varieties and quality seed tubers. However, IITA’s Yam Breeding Program is revitalizing this essential crop by providing farmers with the tools they need to increase productivity. This initiative is promoting economic stability and strengthening food security in the region.
The Breeding Program embarked on harvesting the varieties in October 2024, marking the end of the 2024 yam planting season. The harvest started on the trial field located within IITA Headquarters at Ibadan, followed by other parts of the country – FCT Abuja, Oyo State (Alagbede, Igboho); Kaduna State (Kachia and Zango Kataf); Cross River (Nyanya and Bekwara); Niger State (Bosso, Kafin Koro, Lapai); Nasarawa (Obi, Deddere, Keana); and Benue (Tarka, Guma and Konshisha). The Program has sustained collaborative research with farmers, enhancing their agronomic practices related to yam propagation.
The popularization of the elite yam varieties, Favorite, Super, Va yam, Akuabata, and Asiedu, developed at IITA, among farmers in these states, is still in progress. The diffusion of genetic gains plays a critical role in enhancing the livelihood of farmers benefiting from this scheme.
These yam varieties have continued to gain popularity among farmers, and many are showing interest in acquiring the IITA released varieties.
In 2024, comprehensive training was organized to acquaint the farmers with the improved varieties and also expose them to the seed system. The training programs and workshops focused on seed production technologies, sustainable farming practices, and pest and disease management. IITA–Yam Improvement Program (IITA-YIP) will continue to provide farmers with orientation on the benefit of being a community-based seed producer and seed entrepreneurs.
Focusing on seed production supports sustainable farming practices and improves farmers’ livelihood. With responsible farming techniques, diversification, education, and strong market links, farmers can now cultivate yams in a way that strengthens seed systems and economic stability.
