The vision of the YAM Component is to improve the yam seed system in Nigeria and Ghana by adopting innovations for more efficient and economically viable high-quality seed delivery to smallholder farmers by 2027. The key points are as follows:

• Vision: The goal is to have profitable certified seed yam businesses, with collaboration between research institutes, regulatory authorities, and private companies. The aim is to increase ware yam yield by more than 25% in seven Nigerian states and two regions of Ghana by 2027
• Paradigm Shift: The project aims to transition from traditional farmer-saved seed to certified mini-tubers, making yam production more efficient and economically beneficial for smallholder farmers.
• Building on Previous Phases: The initiative builds on the achievements of previous phases of the Yam Improvement for Income and Food Security in West Africa project (YIIFSWA and YIIFSWA II).
• Technological Innovation: Research will focus on improving yam seed production methods, disease control, and mini-tuber production for increased viability.
• Marketing Innovation: Market surveys and tailored marketing plans will help yam producers make data-driven decisions and utilize various marketing methods to promote certified seed yam.
• Institutional Innovation:Cost-efficient technological packages will be developed, and business models will be validated to make yam seed production more sustainable. Public-private partnerships and collaborations with informal seed actors will be established.
• Yam Theory of Change: The project envisions technological innovations reducing production time, optimized propagation techniques ensuring virus-free breeder seed, and marketing strategies facilitating the seamless movement of planting materials.
• Impact: The project’s goal is to enhance the production and delivery of high-quality, affordable seed yam to farmers in targeted regions for improved incomes and food security.

The YAM component ultimately aims to transform the yam seed system through technological, marketing, and institutional innovations to benefit smallholder farmers in Nigeria and Ghana, ultimately improving yam production and food security in the region.