Innovations in Agriculture Drive Nigeria's Food Security

At the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week, stakeholders from various agricultural institutions in Nigeria presented home-grown innovations aimed at transforming the country's food systems, creating jobs, and enhancing rural livelihoods. They called for increased collaboration, investment, and policy support to scale research-driven solutions.

Prof. Olusola Babatunde Kehinde, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), delivered a paper titled “Success Stories of Agricultural Innovations by Agricultural Institutions.” He noted that these institutions have evolved into innovation hubs that tackle farmers’ challenges and contribute to national development. He emphasized agriculture's significance as Nigeria’s most strategic sector, despite facing challenges like low productivity, climate change, post-harvest losses, and inadequate mechanization.

Prof. Jonathan Atungwu, representing the Provosts of Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria, described agricultural colleges and research institutions as vital catalysts for national development, translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions for farmers.