In 2005–2006, a joint effort between DFID’s Crop Protection Programme, the Diocesan Development Service and the Irish charity, Gorta was implemented to assist yam growers. Small-scale yam growers were assisted with making applications for loans to purchase planting material, pre-planting pesticides and some labour costs. The growers also received guidance on the application of the pesticides. It was expected that at the end of a growing season, farmers would be able to sell their surplus seed yams, as well as repay their loans so that other growers might benefit from the fund.