FUNAAB Partners with ICSAN and CAA to Revolutionize Cassava and Combat Climate Change

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has forged a landmark partnership with the Industrial Cassava Stakeholders Association of Nigeria (ICSAN) and Climate Action Africa (CAA), signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at bolstering agricultural innovation, food security, and climate resilience in Nigeria. The collaboration, finalized on September 3, 2025, positions FUNAAB at the forefront of national efforts to unlock the economic potential of cassava and integrate climate-smart agricultural practices.

Cassava: Nigeria’s ‘Other Crude Oil’
During the signing ceremony, FUNAAB’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, highlighted the immense, yet underutilized, potential of cassava, echoing the sentiment of Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who once described it as “Nigeria’s other crude oil.” Prof. Kehinde affirmed the university’s commitment as a leading agricultural institution to advancing cassava research and promoting the adoption of improved, high-yield cassava varieties among farmers. The collaboration with ICSAN is designed to address a critical challenge: replacing outdated cassava stems with superior, more productive alternatives to boost national output and ensure sustainability.

A Unified Front on Climate Action
Beyond agriculture, the partnership with Climate Action Africa (CAA) emphasizes FUNAAB’s dedication to addressing broader sustainability issues. Prof. Kehinde underscored the inseparable link between agriculture and climate change, noting that the university’s academic and research centers, including the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) and the Institute of Food Security Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), are already deeply involved in climate-related studies. This collaboration is timely, as it will leverage FUNAAB’s expertise to advance climate-resilient agricultural practices.

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Speaking on behalf of their respective organizations, ICSAN’s Secretary General, Mr. Peter Okonkwo, and CAA’s Director of Food Security Programmes, Mrs. Adenike Sanusi, both expressed their appreciation for FUNAAB’s commitment. They recognized the university as an ideal partner for its research-driven innovation and leadership in sustainable agriculture.

A Commitment to National Development
The MoU reflects a joint commitment to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically targeting poverty reduction (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), and fostering strong partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). By focusing on sustainable agriculture and climate action, the partnership is set to contribute significantly to national food security and economic development, while also creating opportunities for research, capacity building, and community development.

_The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde (Left) with the President, ICSAN, Mr. Segun Ladele after signing the MoU_