Farmers and cassava processors in Alabata, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, have received a boost with the launch of a cassava waste processing machine and hands-on training on converting cassava waste into nutritious and affordable animal feed.
The initiative, organised by the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre(AMREC) of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta(FUNAAB) in collaboration with Omoluabi, was aimed at promoting sustainable waste management, value addition to cassava by-products and reducing the cost of livestock production.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Olusola Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Director of AMREC, Prof. Olalekan Jacob Olaoye, described Alabata as a deserving beneficiary of the intervention given its reputation as a major cassava-producing community known for its distinctive garri.
Prof Kehinde commended the community, particularly the Olu of Alabata, Oba Sanusi Waheed Alani, for its contribution to food security in Ogun State and urged residents to maximise the opportunities provided by the project.
The Olu of Alabata appreciated the immense contribution of the Vice-Chancellor, and also mentioned that FUNAAB previously donated a borehole project for water supply to the community and the impact of AMREC Extension Services in boosting their income and home health management.
According to him, converting agricultural waste into valuable products would not only improve farmers’ incomes but also promote environmental sustainability.
Also speaking, the Country Representative of Omoluabi, Mudashiru Olarewaju Quadri, said the intervention was designed to benefit every member of the community irrespective of political affiliation.
He explained that the organisation, established by Obabinrin Aderonke Okeleye, donated the cassava grinder and presser for communal use and appealed to the traditional ruler to ensure proper maintenance and equitable access to the equipment.
Quadri assured the community that prudent management of the facility would attract more developmental projects to Alabata.
During the technical session, Dr Tolulope Adebowale demonstrated the step-by-step process of producing animal feed from cassava peels and other cassava residues.
He advised farmers to use only fresh cassava peels that were less than 24 hours old, explaining that the waste should be thoroughly washed, ground and pressed to remove excess moisture before fermentation.
The expert cautioned that the grinder and presser were dedicated solely to animal feed production and should not be used for processing cassava meant for human consumption.
He explained that the fermented mash could be fed directly to cattle and other ruminants, while dried fine and coarse mash could be stored for up to five months and used as nutritious feed for poultry and fish.
According to him, laboratory tests had confirmed that the products were highly nutritious and offered a cheaper alternative to conventional livestock feed.
The highlight of the programme was the official handover of the cassava waste processing machine to the Olu of Alabata by the AMREC Director.
Responding, Oba Alani expressed appreciation to FUNAAB and Omoluabi for the intervention, describing it as timely and beneficial to farmers in the community.
He appealed for more development programmes capable of improving agricultural productivity and creating economic opportunities for the people of Alabata.
