From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Federal Government has urged African countries to invest more in science to transform the continent’s agrifood systems,.reaffirming its poise to strengthening agricultural research, innovation and technology as key drivers of food security and economic development.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the call yesterday while declaring open the 9th Africa Agricultural Science Week (AASW) and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Abuja.
Kyari said history had shown that nations first learned to feed their people before achieving prosperity, stressing that every successful agricultural revolution was built on deliberate investments in research, innovation and strong institutions.
The minister said the gathering provided a strategic platform for exchanging knowledge, shaping agricultural policies, forging partnerships and advancing research that can transform Africa’s food systems. According to him, Africa possesses abundant natural resources, fertile land, rich biodiversity and one of the world’s youngest populations, but sustainable prosperity would only come when knowledge is translated into innovation and innovation into enterprise.
Kyari said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has placed agriculture at the heart of its Renewed Hope Agenda, recognizing that food security is critical to national security, economic growth and social stability.
He said the government is implementing wide-ranging reforms aimed at building a modern, competitive and climate-resilient agricultural sector through expanded irrigation, increased mechanization, improved access to quality seeds and fertilizers, enhanced agricultural financing, digital agriculture and agro-industrial development.
The minister added that the government is also strengthening agricultural research institutions, universities, extension services and strategic partnerships to ensure that public policies are guided by scientific evidence.
He noted that progress recorded across several agricultural value chains demonstrates that sustained investment and institutional reforms can improve productivity, create jobs, boost rural livelihoods and enhance national food security.
He observed that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring, biotechnology, digital platforms and data science, are creating new opportunities to improve agricultural productivity and decision-making across the continent. He suggested that Africa should position itself as a global leader in developing technologies tailored to its unique ecological conditions and production systems.
To achieve this, Kyari called for sustained investments in national agricultural research systems, universities, innovation hubs, digital infrastructure and scientific talent, alongside stronger collaboration among governments, researchers, development partners, farmers and the private sector.
He stressed that the future of African agriculture would depend not on the size of its land resources but on the strength of its institutions and the quality of its scientific research.
The minister urged researchers to ensure that scientific discoveries translate into practical solutions that improve productivity, create jobs, strengthen climate resilience, restore degraded landscapes, improve nutrition and support economic growth.
He also commended the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa for fostering collaboration among governments, research institutions, universities, CGIAR centres, regional organisations, development partners and the private sector.
Also, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, called for stronger collaboration, innovation and sustained investment in agricultural research to build resilient agrifood systems and improve food security across Africa.
Dabban welcomed delegates from across the continent and described the conference as a vital platform for advancing Africa’s agricultural transformation.
He said the gathering brought together agricultural experts, researchers, policymakers, development partners, private sector operators, farmers and innovators committed to promoting science-driven solutions to the continent’s food security challenges.
According to him, hosting the event underscores Nigeria’s commitment to agricultural development and reflects the Federal Government’s support for regional cooperation in agricultural research and innovation.
Dabban noted that the conference aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises agriculture, food security and economic growth as key pillars of national development.
He stressed that increased investment in agricultural research, innovation and technology would strengthen resilient agrifood systems, boost productivity, improve food and nutrition security, and enhance the livelihoods of millions of Africans.
The ARCN Executive Secretary said the conference theme, “Innovations and Partnerships for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa,” highlights the importance of collaboration in tackling the challenges of climate change, food insecurity and low agricultural productivity.
He commended the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), the Federal Government of Nigeria, development partners, sponsors and other stakeholders for supporting the successful hosting of the event.
Dabban also welcomed international delegates to Nigeria, expressing hope that they would enjoy the country’s hospitality and rich cultural heritage during their stay.
He urged participants to use the conference to strengthen partnerships, promote agricultural research and innovation, and develop practical solutions that would unlock Africa’s agricultural potential and ensure food security across the continent.
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