FUNAAB’s AMREC Empowers Ondo Women in Garri Processing

The Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has expanded its outreach to Ondo State, targeting women in garri processing to enhance rural livelihoods and food security across the South West region.

Over four days in Akure, Ondo State’s capital, AMREC, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, trained hundreds of women from Ondo Central Senatorial District in modern cassava processing techniques. The initiative aimed to improve product quality, promote value addition, and equip women with entrepreneurial skills to increase their income and contribute to community economic development.

Garri, a staple food made from cassava, is a major carbohydrate source for millions in Nigeria. Despite Nigeria being the world’s largest cassava producer, garri processing remains largely informal and labor-intensive, predominantly carried out by women who face challenges such as lack of modern equipment, limited financial support, poor market access, and health risks from traditional methods.

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Prof. Olalekan Jacob Olaoye, AMREC Director, emphasized the critical role women play in the garri value chain and highlighted the training’s focus on safer, more efficient processing methods, business skills, and access to finance and markets. He expressed confidence that the program would bridge knowledge gaps, foster innovation, and create an enabling environment for women to scale up their garri businesses sustainably.

The training also included practical demonstrations and resources to enhance food safety, hygiene, and environmental sustainability in garri production. AMREC’s team, including Dr. Olubukola Idowu and others, supported the successful event, reinforcing FUNAAB’s commitment to agricultural extension and rural development in the South West.