Abuja: The Federal Government and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) have reaffirmed their dedication to fostering an inclusive, climate-resilient agricultural sector. This renewed commitment was announced during a high-level event in Abuja, commemorating AGRA’s 20-year partnership with Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the gathering featured a diverse array of participants, including government officials, development partners, private-sector leaders, research institutions, and grassroots advocates. These stakeholders convened to discuss the future of Nigeria’s food systems amid challenges such as population growth and climate change.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the importance of increased productivity and climate-smart agriculture. He highlighted the need for greater mechanization and sustainable financing to bolster the agricultural sector. Kyari stated, “As we celebrate AGRA’s two decades of impact, we must recognize that the future of food systems is shaped by population growth and climate realities. The next chapter demands an uncompromising focus on rapid productivity delivery, climate-smart agriculture, farm mechanization, and robust financing structures from the boardroom to the farm gate.”
The minister also underscored the role of smallholder farmers, women, and youths as key drivers of innovation and commercial agriculture. He noted these priorities would influence Nigeria’s contribution to the upcoming Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
AGRA has partnered with the Federal Government, state governments, and private-sector actors since 2006 to enhance seed systems, improve access to agricultural inputs, and expand market linkages, according to Kyari. The partnership has also promoted commercially viable farming across Nigeria.
Dr. Rufus Idris, AGRA Nigeria Country Director, reiterated the organization’s belief that empowering smallholder farmers is essential for national development. “AGRA was built as an alliance because no single entity can transform Africa’s food systems alone. Over the past 20 years, our work in Nigeria has been guided by one absolute conviction; when African farmers prosper, the entire nation prospers,” he said.
Additionally, Mr. Edwin Aguadda, Agric Services Manager at Nestl© Nigeria, highlighted the company’s STREFAS project, which is supported by AGRA and assists 25,000 farmers in adopting regenerative and climate-smart agricultural practices. Aguadda attributed progress in Nigeria’s agricultural sector to collaboration among government entities, development partners, research institutions, and the private sector.
Bashir Ibrahim from the African Development Bank emphasized the need for stronger seed systems and greater climate resilience. Dr. Adeseko Adekunle of the National Agricultural Seed Council and Umaru Tunga, Nasarawa State Commissioner, advocated for the use of certified seeds and stronger federal-state collaboration.
Ms. Lois Auta, Founder and President of the Network of Disabled Women in Nigeria, called for more inclusive agricultural policies and capacity-building programs for persons with disabilities. She urged stakeholders to integrate farmers with disabilities into agricultural transformation initiatives.
Juliette Lampoh-Agroh, AGRA Nigeria Country Programme Lead, highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders for food systems transformation. She noted Nigeria’s potential to drive agricultural transformation across Africa by translating policies into tangible benefits for farmers.