Green Field Days engage farmers from 17 communities with practical knowledge, quality inputs, technical support, affordable finance and market opportunities
EDO STATE, Nigeria — September 29, 2026: Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc (OOPC) and the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) have equipped 500 farmers from 17 communities, including Udo and Odighi, in Edo State, with practical climate-smart farming knowledge and direct access to technical experts, quality inputs, finance and markets through two Green Field Days designed to turn training into action.
Held on September 28 and 29, 2026, in Udo, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, and Odighi, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, respectively, the Green Field Days were organised under the theme, “From Training to Adoption: Promoting Improved and Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices.” The events formed part of the PIND/Okomu CSR Livelihood Project and built on demonstration plots established to show farmers how improved agricultural practices can raise productivity, reduce production risks and strengthen farm profitability.
During the field sessions, PIND’s Technical Service Providers demonstrated the use of improved cassava stems, appropriate planting methods, spacing and farm-establishment techniques, alongside commodity-specific practices for oil palm, cocoa and rubber. Selected farmers also received adoption-support inputs, including cassava stems, fertilisers and herbicides, based on commodity needs; to begin applying the demonstrated practices on their farms.
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, Dr Graham Hefer, OOPC’s Smallholder Scheme Manager, Mr Sam Aisien, said: “Our goal is to ensure that investments in neighbouring communities strengthen livelihoods in practical and lasting ways. When farmers can see what works, access the right inputs and remain connected to technical and market support, they are better positioned to improve productivity, build resilient farm businesses and ultimately improve their living conditions.”
PIND’s Economic Development Manager, Mr Misan Edema-Sillo, delivering remarks on behalf of PIND’s Executive Director, Mr Sam Ogbemi Daibo, said: “Training creates value when farmers can apply what they learn. These field days help close the gap between knowledge and adoption by combining field-based demonstrations with appropriate inputs, local advisory services and market connections that can continue beyond the event.”
Beyond providing inputs, the Green Field Days connected farmers with Local Technical Service Providers who can continue to offer advisory and mentorship services. Participants also engaged accredited input dealers, large buyers, financial institutions and other market actors. The approach is designed to help farmers sustain the practices introduced during the field days and access future services, finance, inputs and markets through existing commercial channels rather than depend indefinitely on project support.
The field days mark another milestone under OOPC’s ₦1.2 billion, three-year partnership with PIND to advance sustainable development in its neighbouring communities. In August, the partnership commissioned a 61-kWp solar mini-grid in Gbelebu Community to provide reliable electricity to an initial 100 households and businesses.
Through the livelihood initiative, OOPC and PIND are strengthening the local agricultural market system by connecting practical learning with continuing technical support, quality inputs, finance and commercial relationships—creating clearer pathways for farmers to improve productivity, manage climate and production risks, and build more profitable livelihoods.
