{"id":3265,"date":"2025-11-04T08:41:21","date_gmt":"2025-11-04T08:41:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/?p=3265"},"modified":"2025-11-06T05:18:33","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T05:18:33","slug":"akilimo-success-story-sustained-impact-in-ogun-state-nigeria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/index.php\/2025\/11\/04\/akilimo-success-story-sustained-impact-in-ogun-state-nigeria\/","title":{"rendered":"AKILIMO success story: sustained impact in Ogun state, Nigeria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When agricultural innovation endures beyond a project\u2019s lifespan, it symbolizes true transformation.<br>In Ogun State, Nigeria, a lead farmer\u2019s consistent use of <strong>IITA\u2019s AKILIMO recommendations<\/strong> has improved productivity and earned formal recognition from the Ogun State Government and <strong>Prof. Ruth Oniang\u2019o<\/strong>, Executive Director of the Rural Outreach Program and advocate for women\u2019s empowerment through agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Picture1-1024x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3300\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Picture1-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/akilimo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Picture1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/akilimo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Picture1-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/akilimo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Picture1-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/akilimo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Picture1.jpg 1332w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cThe farmer\u2019s dedication to applying AKILIMO recommendations over the years embodies the essence of sustainable agriculture.\u201d<br>\u2014 <strong>Prof. Ruth Oniang\u2019o<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This recognition underscores a key truth: agricultural innovations remain relevant and effective years after training when institutional systems and farmer motivation align.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving Change through the OGADEP\u2013AKILIMO Partnership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since <strong>2019<\/strong>, the <strong>Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP)<\/strong> has promoted AKILIMO technologies, working closely with <strong>IITA<\/strong> to strengthen links between research and farmer practice.<br>In <strong>2020<\/strong>, the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture officially adopted AKILIMO as an approved extension material, enabling integration into OGADEP\u2019s extension system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>22,000+ farmers reached<\/strong> (31% women)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>500+ extension agents and lead farmers trained<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved fertilizer efficiency, planting density, intercropping, and post-harvest management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These results show that AKILIMO\u2019s value extends beyond agronomy to market and input linkages\u2014fueling local economic empowerment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AKILIMO: From Tool to Transformative Model<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Initially a digital decision-support system for cassava farmers, <strong>AKILIMO<\/strong> provides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Customized fertilizer recommendations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Best practices for planting and weed control<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Optimal intercropping methods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scheduled planting and harvesting timelines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cOur commitment at IITA is to empower farmers with innovative tools like AKILIMO that deliver practical, science-based solutions.\u201d<br>\u2014 <strong>Thompson Ogunsanmi<\/strong>, AKILIMO\u2013OGADEP Coordinator<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, AKILIMO evolved into a partnership-driven platform uniting public extension systems, private sector actors, and farmer organizations.<br>The Ogun State experience demonstrates how local ownership and sustained collaboration can transform a digital tool into a movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Institutional Ownership and Partnership for Sustainability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The enduring success of AKILIMO in Ogun State rests on deliberate efforts to embed innovation within local systems through collaboration with <strong>OGADEP<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Success Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Institutional Integration:<\/strong> AKILIMO embedded into OGADEP\u2019s extension tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local Ownership:<\/strong> Commitment at state and LGA levels ensures continuity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community Structures:<\/strong> Lead farmers drive scaling through peer learning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A major milestone came in 2020 when the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture adopted AKILIMO as part of its official extension package\u2014ensuring ongoing support and farmer engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through OGADEP\u2019s network:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Over <strong>22,000 farmers<\/strong> served<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>31% women participants<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>500+ extension agents trained<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>At the national level, the <strong>AKILIMO Nigeria Association (ANA)<\/strong> coordinates multi-stakeholder scaling, aligning data, strategy, and resources across institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adapting to Challenges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>AKILIMO\u2019s journey has not been without challenges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Limited resources and logistics<\/strong> prompted tighter coordination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digital literacy gaps<\/strong> required continuous training.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Data inconsistencies<\/strong> spurred improved monitoring systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These challenges catalyzed innovation\u2014leading to refresher trainings, better digital tools, and stronger partner engagement.<br>AKILIMO has since diversified its scope to include <strong>maize and rice<\/strong>, ensuring broader relevance to farmers\u2019 evolving needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Testament to Enduring Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The story of Ogun State\u2019s recognized farmer reflects what happens when <strong>innovation meets commitment and institutional support<\/strong>.<br>AKILIMO\u2019s evolution proves that agricultural transformation is not about introducing new tools, but about nurturing <strong>systems, people, and partnerships<\/strong> that make innovation thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through collaboration with <strong>OGADEP<\/strong>, the continued leadership of <strong>ANA<\/strong>, and strong policy integration, AKILIMO continues to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Empower farmers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthen institutions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspire sustainable agricultural transformation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>When innovations are locally owned, supported by policy, and embedded within strong institutions, their impact transcends seasons\u2014shaping livelihoods for generations.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction When agricultural innovation endures<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3300,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[44,42],"class_list":["post-3265","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-akilimo","tag-nigeria","tag-aklimo"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3265","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3265"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3265\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3304,"href":"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3265\/revisions\/3304"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3300"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3265"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3265"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/akilimo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3265"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}