Kyari Advocates for Homegrown Agricultural Innovation

On Monday, during the opening of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW) and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Abuja, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, called for African countries to lead in developing homegrown agricultural technologies. He stressed that achieving food security and sustainable economic growth relies on science, innovation, and knowledge tailored to Africa's ecological realities.

Kyari highlighted that agriculture is central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, linking food security to national security and economic prosperity. The Federal Government is investing in irrigation, mechanization, digital agriculture, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

Kyari also urged research institutions to focus on practical solutions to enhance productivity and farmers' livelihoods. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, discussed reforms in the livestock sector, emphasizing the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy.

Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, welcomed delegates, underscoring Africa's commitment to agricultural transformation.