The popular Yoruba expression, “Ẹ̀ṣùhùn hàn fògèdè ṣe lálé Ijesha, ẹyẹ lè jẹ́” — literally interpreted as plantains and bananas flourishing across Ijesaland to the extent that birds feast on unharvested bunches — appears to be more than folklore. Recent field observations confirm that the statement reflects the current agricultural reality in Ijesaland.
A tour of the bustling Monday-to-Monday Sabo-Irojo Market in Ilesa revealed overwhelming volumes of agricultural produce arriving from surrounding villages. Among the items displayed were garri, fresh pears, pineapples, agbalumo, and kegs of palm oil. However, plantains and bananas stood out prominently, dominating both the retail and bulk trading sections of the market.
Large heaps of ripe and unripe plantains lined the market corridors, while bunches of bananas were stacked in strategic clusters awaiting buyers. Notably, trailers and heavy-duty trucks from Northern Nigeria were seen loading these produce in large quantities for onward distribution outside the region. This pattern suggests that while Ijesaland remains a major producer, much of the economic value is exported in raw form.
Post-Harvest Losses and Missed Opportunities
Interviews with traders and farmers indicate that a significant percentage of plantains and bananas go to waste during peak harvest seasons. Factors such as inadequate storage facilities, limited processing options, transportation challenges, and market gluts contribute to post-harvest losses. In some farms, overripe fruits are reportedly abandoned, validating the proverbial claim that even birds benefit from the surplus.
The current trend underscores a structural gap: high production without corresponding value addition.
Call to Action: A Direct Economic Imperative
This situation presents what can best be described as a direct economic command to Ijesa entrepreneurs — particularly the elite and financially capable stakeholders — to invest in agro-processing industries within Ijesaland.
Establishing plantain and banana processing factories would:
Reduce post-harvest losses
Create employment opportunities for youths
Increase internally generated wealth
Expand export potential through processed products
Stabilize prices for farmers
Possible value-added products include plantain flour, chips, banana flour, starch, puree, baby food, wine, and industrial raw materials for bakeries and pharmaceutical companies.
Toward Agro-Industrial Renaissance in Ijesaland
Rather than allowing trailers from distant regions to cart away raw produce for processing elsewhere, Ijesaland stands at a strategic advantage to retain and multiply the value chain locally. With its vast agricultural base and entrepreneurial human capital, the region has the potential to evolve into a plantain and banana processing hub in Southwest Nigeria.
The evidence from Sabo-Irojo Market is clear: the raw materials are abundant. What remains is decisive investment and coordinated industrial action.
The time for Ijesa elitist entrepreneurs to rise to this opportunity is now.
All photos credit: Oladimeji Lasore (+2347035105413, [email protected])
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