By Sylvia Okoi
The Cross River Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Cocoa -Coffee and Oil Palm Multi-Stakeholders Committee to enhance traceability systems for key agricultural value chains in the State.
The partnership was formalized during a high-level meeting between the Agency’s management and members of the committee.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director General of CRGIA, Mr. William Archibong, described the collaboration as a major step toward improving data accuracy and accountability in the agricultural sector. He noted that the traceability system being developed will ensure that stakeholders especially producers of major cash crops have access to reliable information on farmlands, farm owners, middlemen, extension service providers, transportation channels, and the income generated from agricultural produce.
In his remarks, the Director of Operations, Mr. Jesam Iwara, reiterated that CRGIS managed by CRGIA serves as the State’s central geographic data bank and will be made available to support traceability activities. He emphasized that through best-practice data management systems, the Agency is ensuring full ownership of the State’s geographic data. He added that the partnership will strengthen the monitoring of actors and activities within cash crop value chains and and ultimately improve the certification and profitability of the states Agricultural Produce.
Mr. Iwara further encouraged farmers to obtain Certificates of Occupancy to secure their farmlands and enhance their eligibility for government support.
Presenting a demonstration of gis integration in agricultural value chain management and traceability, Dr. Edet Otu, CRGIS technical adviser highlighted how accurate data storage and controlled access within CRGIS will enhance identification of farm owners, processing and holding facilities, farm locations, crop types, farm sizes, road networks, and local government
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Vice Chairman of the Cocoa-Coffee and Oil Palm Multi-Stakeholders Committee, Prof. Damian Agom, expressed excitement over the innovations introduced by CRGIA. He commended the Agency for expanding its services into agricultural information systems capable of providing traceability data needed for State certification processes. According to him, advancements will enhance the value of cash crops and boost financial inflow for farmers.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic handover of office keys for the Cross River Traceability office In CRGIA.
