Farmers in Nigeria are embracing innovative maize farming techniques after an intensive training session led by experts from the IITA maize improvement program in collaboration with Radio IITA. The outreach program introduced advanced agronomic practices, including optimized planting methods and soil management strategies, equipping participants with the tools to boost yields and improve food security.

With the hands-on demonstrations and expert insights learned, the farmers are well energized and are now set to apply these innovations on their farms.

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Radio IITA Soybean Outreach 2024 served as a vital platform for spreading agricultural knowledge across Africa, equipping farmers with the skills to improve soybean production. Through the programs, farmers in Oyo State, gained practical insights to improving their farming techniques.

With access to expert knowledge, the local farmers are better prepared to boost their soybean yields and share improved technologies within their communities.

Despite being the world’s largest producer of cowpeas, Nigeria still imports over 40% of its supply due to devastating pest infestations. To combat this, RadioIITA organized an intensive outreach program, training 42 farmers—both in-person and virtually—on innovative techniques to boost yields and reduce pesticide dependency.

Led by IITA expert Bosede Popoola, the training emphasized soil evaluation, proper variety selection, and targeted pest control strategies, equipping farmers with science-backed solutions to protect their crops.The outreach also highlighted the dangers of improper pesticide use, ensuring farmers can protect both their crops and their health.

As food security challenges persist, young people are stepping up to shape the future of agriculture. To support this shift, Radio IITA Farmers Outreach and IITA Youth Agripreneurs (IYA) launched a training program in poultry and aquaculture, attracting participants from Oyo and beyond. Experts provided hands-on training in fish farming, poultry management, and market strategies, equipping youth with the skills to turn agriculture into a profitable venture.

Twenty yam farmers from Akinyele Local Government embarked on an intensive training journey, learning the game-changing Minisetts technology—a technique that boosts seed yam production and increases yields. Guided by IITA experts, including Dr. Olugboyega Pelemo, the program also introduced improved yam varieties and tackled the pressing issue of seed scarcity.

The highlight of the training was a hands-on demonstration at a farmland in Ijaye, where farmers got their hands in the soil, mastering the practical steps needed to apply their new skills. With this knowledge, they are now better equipped to transform their farms and increase productivity.

Radio IITA, in collaboration with the IITA Plantain/Banana Breeding Program, recently trained local farmers on techniques to boost plantain and banana yields. Experts emphasized the importance of using clean, certified planting materials to prevent pest and disease infestations, which can drastically reduce farm productivity. Farmers also learned about sustainable soil management, mulching, staking, and best practices for improving plant growth.

A key focus of the training was effective sucker management, a crucial practice for maintaining healthy plantain mats and maximizing yields. Experts advised farmers to regulate sucker growth, ensuring each mat has only a few well-spaced plants for better fruit quality and continuous production. Inspired by the training, farmers pledged to adopt these techniques, paving the way for healthier crops and higher farm productivity.