Colleges of Agriculture Boost Nigeria's Food Security Efforts

Nigeria’s Colleges of Agriculture play a vital role in enhancing the agricultural sector by training over 50,000 technicians, technologists, artisans, farmers, and agripreneurs each year. This was presented during the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week and 10th FARA General Assembly, where Jonathan Atungwu represented the provosts of all Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria.

The colleges, coordinated by the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), trace their origins to the Agricultural Research Station at Moor Plantation, Ibadan, established in 1893. They focus on addressing challenges such as low agricultural productivity, climate change, and inadequate infrastructure through increased investment in research and practical education.

The colleges emphasize practical training via initiatives like the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and have reported that over 70% of graduates engage in agribusiness within two years. They also promote youth and women inclusion, strengthen research-extension linkages, and align programs with national agricultural policies, contributing to improved crop varieties and reduced post-harvest losses.