Communique

The Ibolo Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture
(ICCIMA)

In Collaboration with

Development Governance International (DGI) Foundation

COMMUNIQUE AT THE END OF AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT HELD AT AVALON HOTEL OFFA, JUNE 8 AND 9, 2022

The Ibolo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), the business membership association for businesses in Ibolo land comprising Offa and Oyun Local Government Areas of Kwara State, in conjunction with the Development Governance International (DGI) Foundation organized the Agricultural Value Chain Development Summit as part of the implementation of the Roadmap for Poverty Eradication and Wealth Creation in Ibolo land which was developed at the 2-Day Strategic Workshop in November 2021.
1. The Summit participants agreed that the value chain of Orange Flesh Sweet Potato (OFSP), Vitamin A maize and vitamin A cassava, viz: cultivation, processing, marketing and utilization has untapped potentials for poverty eradication and wealth creation in Ibolo land and should be vigorously pursued. It was unanimously agreed that the Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme of ICCIMA is capable of transforming the economy of the people of the area;
2. The Summit noted the health and economic importance of OFSP, Vitamin A Maize and Vitamin A Cassava and urged ICCIMA to help forge a synergy within all the stakeholders, including governments, investors, marketers and various off-takers for the processing and utilization of these farm products for health and economic benefits. The utilization of OFSP, especially for bread and other confectioneries was particularly emphasized;
3. The participants agreed that State and Federal Governments must provide necessary policy framework, support effective and farmers-centered agricultural development programmes and provide needed encouragements for farmers in view of the fact that agriculture is a major factor for social and economic transformation of the country. The Summit noted that some of the benefits designed for real farmers do not get to them, possibly due to political considerations. ICCIMA is urged to actively engage with the various levels of governments for required support for farmers in Ibolo land;
4. The Summit decried the level of youth unemployment and the lack of necessary incentives for the teaming population of youths and women to take to agriculture. It was also noted that participation in agriculture is becoming increasingly unattractive to the vibrant youths and this is not good enough for the future of the country;
5. The participants agreed that technology and modern/digital marketing could be deployed to assist in more productive agricultural productions. The ICCIMA is encouraged to partner with the Summit University Offa, The Federal Polytechnic Offa, ONE Innovation Hub, Getters Chain of ONEHI as well as research and other institutions on the technological and scientific support for the value chain development programme;
6. The Summit participants urge the entrepreneurs in and outside Ibolo land to consider investment in processing and marketing of agricultural products in Ibolo land for poverty eradication and wealth creation.
7. The participants expressed appreciation to the Kabiyesis Olojoku of Ojoku and Olukotun of Ikotun Ile for providing hectares of land for the take-off of the Value Chain Development Programme. ICCIMA appreciates traditional council’s in Ibololand for the tremendous support and also commend organizations, government agencies, NGOs and other groups who have partnered with ICCIMA for the economic development of Ibololand.
8. The Summit participants noted the various natural, and human threats to agricultural investments especially grazing on farms by herdsmen. The participants agreed on the need to build on the existing efforts to create mutual understanding between farmers and herders and take more active and practical approach to agricultural investment security. The Summit constituted a committee on Farm Security and Peace Building comprising of security agencies, farmers, herdsmen and other interest groups.
9. The participants urged all business entities and individuals in the agricultural value chain to register with ICCIMA so as to benefit from the various programmes of the chamber that are about to commence;
10. The participants noted the huge interests of all the stakeholders in Ibolo land, including the state and local governments, traditional institutions, towns unions and associations, security agencies, farmers groups and others in the prospects of the value chain development and urge ICCIMA to keep up the good efforts and continue to work for poverty eradication and wealth creation in Ibolo land.
11. The ICCIMA and other stakeholders at the summit resolved to engage the political leadership in the state including His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kwara State and the members of the State House of Assembly to elicit their support towards improved funding of agriculture especially the value chains of the three crops prioritized by ICCIMA
12. Participants emphasized the need to sustain the momentum on agriculture value chain development created by ICCIMA and attract more partnerships from a wide array of stakeholders including the policymakers, farmers’ associations, private sector, development partners and others.

SIGNED
Chief Ganiyu Daromosu
Chairman Roadmap Implementation Committee

SIGNED
Wole Alawode
Member/Secretary Roadmap Implementation Committee