Abuja: The Federal Government and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) are collaborating to advance agricultural research and scale up innovations for resilient agrifood systems across Africa. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated this on Monday at the opening of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) and 10th FARA General Assembly in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference, themed ‘Innovations and Partnerships for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa,’ highlighted the importance of translating knowledge into innovation and enterprise to improve lives. Kyari emphasized that natural resources alone could not create prosperity and stressed the necessity of knowledge exchange, partnerships, and scientific solutions to transform Africa’s agrifood systems.
Kyari reiterated that agriculture is central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, linking food security to national security, economic growth, and social stability. The government is focused on expanding irrigation, strengthening mechanization, improving access to quality inputs, and investing in agricultural research, technology, and innovation. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring, biotechnology, and digital platforms are seen as opportunities for enhanced productivity, market access, and climate resilience.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, remarked on the timeliness of the conference, underscoring the value of Nigeria’s partnership with FARA in advancing scientific collaboration. Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director-General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), highlighted the potential of science and partnerships in overcoming Africa’s challenges, including drought, climate change, biodiversity loss, and food inflation.
Dr. Abubakar Daban, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), noted that the event aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizing agriculture, food security, and economic growth. He called for strengthened partnerships to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential and build resilient agrifood systems through collaboration and science-based solutions.