IITA revolutionizes yam production: New varieties and training programs boost agricultural innovation in Nigeria

In less than six years, IITA–CGIAR has developed and released 26 high-quality yam varieties across Africa, with 10 of these varieties released in Nigeria, the largest yam-producing country on the continent. Introducing these new varieties can potentially rejuvenate the declining yam value chain.

IITA has had a significant impact through its outreach, capacity development, and empowerment initiatives. Farmers across 15 states within Nigeria have gained access to the newly released yam varieties and received training on seed production technologies and good agronomic practices (GAP) for efficient yam farming.

Building on these achievements, the extension of genetic gains has expanded beyond farmer groups to institutions. Through the Yam Improvement Program, IITA has established a Demand Creation Trial (DCT) at Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) Farms. Afe Babalola University, along with its affiliated ABUAD farms and Afe Babalola Industries, has been introduced to four of the yam varieties released by IITA, which include Vayam and Akuabata (water yams), Favourite, Super, and Asiedu (Guinea yams), possess the necessary qualities to be processed into different yam products.

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