The National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), through its Extension and Field Genebank team, has intensified efforts to promote livelihood diversification among farmers through the cultivation of high-value tree crops.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), represented by Dr. Paul Anegbeh. It focuses on encouraging farmers to integrate valuable tree crops such as cocoa, bitter kola, locust beans, walnut, and African star apple into their farming systems.
As part of efforts to take the initiative directly to farming communities, the Extension Department of NACGRAB facilitated engagements with key grassroots agricultural organisations and farmer groups across Oyo State.
Engagement with JDPM Oyo Diocese
The first outreach activity took place on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, during a farmers’ meeting organised by the Justice Development and Peace Movement (JDPM) of the Catholic Church, Oyo Diocese, Oyo State.
During the meeting, Dr. Chan presented the tree crop diversification model to farmer representatives, highlighting the opportunities associated with cultivating high-value tree species as part of their farming activities.
The presentation generated considerable interest among the participating farmers, who actively engaged with the team through questions and discussions. The interaction provided an opportunity for farmers to gain a better understanding of the potential benefits of tree crop diversification and how it could complement their existing agricultural activities.
Visit to Akufo Farm Settlement
Following the successful engagement with JDPM, the NACGRAB-ICRAF team continued the outreach on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, with a visit to Akufo Farm Settlement in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The team met with local farmers during their scheduled meeting and introduced the tree crop diversification initiative. The farmers responded positively to the presentation, showing enthusiasm about the prospects of adopting high-value tree crops within their farming systems.
The engagement also provided an avenue for discussions on the opportunities and practical considerations associated with tree crop cultivation, while creating room for continued interaction between the farmers and the project team.
Building Stronger Farmer Participation
The two outreach activities marked an important step in NACGRAB’s efforts to connect research, genetic resource conservation and practical agricultural development with farming communities.
By working closely with grassroots organisations and farmer groups, the Centre is helping to create awareness of alternative and complementary sources of agricultural income while encouraging the adoption and conservation of valuable indigenous and economically important tree species.
The positive responses recorded during the engagements with JDPM farmers and those at Akufo Farm Settlement demonstrate a growing interest in tree crop diversification.
NACGRAB, in partnership with ICRAF and other stakeholders, will continue to strengthen community-level engagement and explore opportunities to support farmers in adopting suitable high-value tree crops. These efforts are expected to contribute to improved farm resilience, diversified livelihoods and the sustainable utilisation of Nigeria’s valuable plant genetic resources.
