Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc (OOPC) and the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) have trained 500 farmers from 17 communities in Edo State on climate-smart farming practices. The training, which took place during two Green Field Days in Udo and Odighi, aimed to turn theoretical knowledge into practical action. The events, held on September 28 and 29, 2026, were organized under the theme "From Training to Adoption: Promoting Improved and Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices."
The Green Field Days were part of the PIND/Okomu CSR Livelihood Project, which seeks to improve livelihoods in communities surrounding OOPC's operations. The project built on demonstration plots established to showcase improved agricultural practices that can increase productivity, reduce production risks, and enhance farm profitability. During the field sessions, PIND's Technical Service Providers demonstrated the use of improved cassava stems, planting methods, and farm-establishment techniques.
Selected farmers received adoption-support inputs, including cassava stems, fertilizers, and herbicides, tailored to their specific commodity needs. This support enabled them to apply the demonstrated practices on their farms. OOPC's Smallholder Scheme Manager, Mr. Sam Aisien, emphasized the company's goal of strengthening livelihoods in neighboring communities through practical and lasting investments.
Mr. Aisien, speaking on behalf of OOPC's Managing Director, Dr. Graham Hefer, highlighted the importance of providing farmers with access to technical experts, quality inputs, and market support. This, he said, would enable them to improve productivity, build resilient farm businesses, and ultimately enhance their living conditions. PIND's Economic Development Manager, Mr. Misan Edema-Sillo, also stressed the value of applying training in practical ways.
The Green Field Days connected farmers with Local Technical Service Providers who can offer advisory and mentorship services. Participants also engaged with accredited input dealers, large buyers, financial institutions, and other market actors. This approach aims to help farmers sustain the introduced practices and access future services, finance, inputs, and markets through commercial channels.
The partnership between OOPC and PIND is a ₦1.2 billion, three-year initiative to advance sustainable development in neighboring communities. In August, they commissioned a 61-kWp solar mini-grid in Gbelebu Community to provide reliable electricity to 100 households and businesses. The livelihood initiative seeks to strengthen the local agricultural market system by linking practical learning with technical support, quality inputs, finance, and commercial relationships.
The initiative has created pathways for farmers to improve productivity, manage climate and production risks, and build more profitable livelihoods. By empowering farmers with climate-smart farming techniques and access to resources, OOPC and PIND aim to contribute to sustainable development and improved living conditions in Edo State.
Key points
- Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc and PIND have trained 500 farmers from 17 Edo State communities on climate-smart farming practices.
- The training aimed to turn theoretical knowledge into practical action through Green Field Days.
- The partnership between OOPC and PIND is a ₦1.2 billion, three-year initiative to advance sustainable development in neighboring communities.
