Ibadan, Nigeria
November 27, 2012

Areas hit by massive floods in Bayelsa region of Nigeria will benefit from seeds conserved in the genebank of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), as the Institute plans to assist farmers rebuild their livelihoods with new improved varieties.

Described as the worst ever in recent times, the floods sacked not only thousands of farmers from their homes but also suffocated and wiped away crops, threatening food security in the nation.

“Our farmers lost almost everything and we need help,” says Dr Rodger Obubo, a top official with the Bayelsa State government who first contacted IITA Deputy Director General (Partnership & Capacity Development), Dr Kenton Dashiell for help.

“The 2012 floods were extraordinary and caused a lot of devastation of farm lands and human habitation. Our people became refugee in their own land,” Obubo added.

Crops worst hit by the flood included cassava, plantain, yam, maize and pawpaw which are major staples in the region.

Genbank to the rescue

Located in IITA Ibadan, the genebank holds the largest collection of cowpea varieties, and is also a major bank to Africa’s major crops: cassava, yam, soybean, maize, banana and plantain. In the recent past, the genebank has played a critical role in re-establishing farms in regions that have been hit by disasters such as civil wars and fire outbreaks.

Dr Dashiell said, “IITA will do everything possible to cushion the effects of floods on victims.”
Taking action to save the situation

On 14 November, an advanced team of IITA experts visited Bayelsa to determine the extent of damage in the region. Led by Dr Richardson Okechukwu, the team held meetings with the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Thomas Commander, and other officials and also visited affected areas.

Both parties agreed to step up action to save the state from imminent food crisis.

“We need to act and act fast to save these farmers from food crisis,” says Dr Okechukwu.
An immediate response demands IITA to send improved cassava cuttings, plantains and maize to the state in the next one month. These crops are part of the food basket for the people of the state. More importantly, the maize varieties to be deployed are early maturing and will help farmers to recover and adjust quickly by offering them food on the table.

Dr Commander said he was delighted to see the IITA team and expressed gratitude to the IITA Management for being promptly responsive to the plea for help from Bayelsa State and especially for visiting the state.
 

Website: http://www.iita.org

Published: November 27, 2012