As part of IITA initiatives to assist farmers in gaining access to clean and improved seeds, the Yam Improvement Programme (YIP) of the institute recently began the distribution of freshly released yam varieties. The pilot phase of the distribution process got underway in four states: Nasarawa, Niger, Osun, and Abuja, the federal capital.

Over the past five years, IITA, in partnership with the National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), has successfully developed and introduced nine distinct varieties. These released varieties were carefully chosen to address various challenges encountered by yam farmers in Nigeria. They specifically tackle issues like declining production, low yields, subpar planting material quality, vulnerability to climate change, and the high cost of production. The selection criteria for these varieties encompassed food quality, tuber yield, and resilience to changing climatic conditions, among other important considerations.

Following the release of nine yam varieties, four water yam varieties (Akuabata, Delight, Wonder, and Va), and five white yam varieties (Favorite, Nagode, Super, Blessing, and Sunshine), through the National Variety Release Committee (NRVC), a Demand Creation Trial (DCT) was initiated in various locations in 2022. Initially, two of the released varieties were introduced to the farmers, with plans to gradually introduce the remaining varieties.

To determine their preferred choice, beneficiaries were given the opportunity to select from the nine varieties based on their individual preferences, taking into account the prevalent consumption practices and environmental conditions.

During the DCT, the participation of farmers and end-users was actively encouraged in the seed multiplication and dissemination process through a participatory approach. This approach aimed to familiarize them with the research findings and ensure their commitment to various activities, including land preparation, planting, and field management until the harvest.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) played a crucial role in supporting the farmers who were members of organized yam associations, such as the National Association of Yam Farmers Processors and Marketers, All Farmers Association, Sustainable Farmers Association of Nigeria, Fadama Farmers Association, and Community-based farmer associations across 11 locations in five different regions.

IITA provided the farmers with seed yam tubers, as well as essential chemicals such as insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Additionally, training on the yam minisett technique was offered to enhance their knowledge and skills.

In each of the 11 locations, seed multiplication plots were established, accommodating an average of 40 yam farmers. These plots were designed to have a stand of 5,000 plants. This approach facilitated the rapid dissemination and demand creation of new yam varieties across yam-growing regions.

To ensure effective distribution, the IITA team targeted farmer groups, associations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during training sessions on Yam Multiplication Techniques and the establishment of seed multiplication plots. The establishment, management, and ownership of these plots were done jointly by the farmer groups and associations, fostering a collaborative and sustainable approach.