Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc and the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) have equipped 500 farmers from 17 communities in Edo State with climate-smart farming practices, technical support, quality inputs, finance and market access.

The initiative was delivered through two Green Field Days held on September 28 and 29 at Udo in Ovia South-West Local Government Area and Odighi in Ovia North-East LGA.

The events, themed, “From Training to Adoption: Promoting Improved and Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices,” formed part of the PIND/Okomu Corporate Social Responsibility Livelihood Project.

The programme builds on demonstration farms designed to show farmers how improved practices can boost productivity, reduce production risks and improve profitability.

During the sessions, PIND’s Technical Service Providers demonstrated improved cassava stems, suitable planting methods, spacing and farm-establishment techniques. They also showcased commodity-specific practices for oil palm, cocoa and rubber.

Selected farmers received cassava stems, fertilisers and herbicides to support adoption on their farms.

Speaking on behalf of Okomu Oil’s Managing Director, Dr Graham Hefer, the company’s Smallholder Scheme Manager, Sam Aisien, said the initiative was focused on strengthening livelihoods in neighbouring communities.

“Our goal is to ensure that investments in neighbouring communities strengthen livelihoods in practical and lasting ways. When farmers can see what works, access the right inputs and remain connected to technical and market support, they are better positioned to improve productivity, build resilient farm businesses and ultimately improve their living conditions,” Aisien said.

PIND’s Economic Development Manager, Misan Edema-Sillo, who represented Executive Director Sam Ogbemi Daibo, said the programme was designed to move farmers from training to adoption.

“Training creates value when farmers can apply what they learn. These field days help close the gap between knowledge and adoption by combining field-based demonstrations with appropriate inputs, local advisory services and market connections that can continue beyond the event,” Edema-Sillo said.

Participating farmers were also linked with Local Technical Service Providers for continued advisory and mentorship. They engaged accredited input dealers, large buyers, financial institutions and other market actors to improve access to inputs, finance and markets through existing commercial channels.

According to the organisations, the approach is intended to help farmers sustain the practices introduced during the field days without depending indefinitely on project support.

The Green Field Days are part of a N1.2bn, three-year partnership between Okomu Oil and PIND to promote sustainable development in communities neighbouring the oil palm company.

In August, the partners commissioned a 61-kWp solar mini-grid in Gbelebu Community, providing electricity to an initial 100 households and businesses.

Through the livelihood programme, Okomu Oil and PIND said they were strengthening the local agricultural market system by linking practical training with technical support, quality inputs, finance and commercial relationships.

The partners said the initiative would help farmers improve productivity, manage climate and production risks, and build more profitable livelihoods.

Source: Punch