As the end of the African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI) project draws near, members of AKILIMO Nigeria held a meeting to discuss the continuity and sustainability of AKILIMO, a product of the project. A significant resolution was to register AKILIMO Nigeria— an association already initiated at the Nigeria planning meeting held in 2021. Its purpose is to bring together all primary and secondary partners of ACAI in Nigeria to work cooperatively for continued use and the sustainability of AKILIMO.
At the meeting on 16 December 2021 in Akure, Ondo State, stakeholders discussed the official registration of the name, AKILIMO Nigeria, and determined whether to make the formation of a sub committee from two geo-political zones (South West and South East). The meeting also discussed essential management support issues like staff recruitment, and operations to ensure the association’s smooth take-off and existence.
The participants at the meeting deliberated whether to register AKILIMO Nigeria as a partnership or an association. Barrister S. B. Oladeinde, who was consulted for legal advice, noted that there would be legal complications if the entity was registered as a partnership.
The forum also discussed the constitution of a board of trustees as well a constitution to guide the running of the association. It was also observed that an office space was needed. Follow-up meetings will hold in southwest and southeast Nigeria at a date yet to be determined.