Agricultural stakeholders have called for increased investment in research, innovation and stronger partnerships to accelerate food security, create jobs and strengthen rural livelihoods across Nigeria.
The call was made during the Nigeria Day event at the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week, where Universities, Colleges of Agriculture and Research Institutes showcased home-grown technologies and innovations aimed at transforming the country’s agricultural sector.
Speaking on the theme, “Success Stories of Agricultural Innovations by Agricultural Institutions,” the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Olusola Babatunde Kehinde, said agricultural institutions have evolved beyond teaching centres into innovation hubs driving national development.
Kehinde noted that agriculture remains Nigeria’s most strategic sector, contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment and rural livelihoods despite challenges such as low productivity, climate change, post-harvest losses and inadequate mechanisation.
According to him, innovation and collaboration remain the key drivers for modernising agriculture, improving productivity and achieving sustainable food security.
“Our agricultural institutions are no longer just centres of learning; they are engines of innovation, enterprise development and human capital capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector through research-driven solutions,” he said.
Highlighting FUNAAB’s achievements, the Vice-Chancellor said the University has developed several innovations in cassava processing, maize value addition and horticultural preservation, leading to value-added products such as odourless fufu, cassava bread, garri, honey, processed cashew nuts and finely brewed palm wine.
He explained that the innovations have helped reduce post-harvest losses, improve product shelf life and stimulate the growth of agro-based small and medium enterprises.
Kehinde further disclosed that farmers using the University’s cassava processing technologies have recorded income increases of up to 60 per cent, while its agripreneurship programmes, biotechnology research, digital agriculture initiatives and extension services are creating employment opportunities and strengthening local agricultural value chains.
He urged government to increase investment in agricultural research, biotechnology, digital agriculture and agripreneurship, while providing policy support that would enable institutions to commercialise research findings.
Representing Provosts of Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria, Professor Jonathan Atungwu described agricultural colleges and research institutions as catalysts for national development, saying they have become centres where scientific discoveries were translated into practical solutions for farmers.
“These are not just centres of learning; they are engines of transformation shaping Nigeria’s agrifood future,” he said.
Atungwu stressed that the value of agricultural institutions lies in solving real-life agricultural challenges through research and innovation.
Using the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as an example, he said improved cassava varieties developed by the Institute have significantly increased crop yields, while its Youth Agripreneurs Programme has equipped young Nigerians with practical agribusiness skills.
He called for stronger collaboration among Universities, Research Institutes, government and the private sector to scale up agricultural innovations.
Also speaking on behalf of Agricultural Research Institutes, the Executive Director of the Nigeria Institute of Horticultural Research (NIHORT), Ibadan, Professor Muhammed Lawal Atanda, highlighted several research breakthroughs aimed at improving agricultural productivity.
He cited a yam mound-making technology capable of producing about 2,650 yam mounds daily, noting that the innovation has already been adopted by Obasanjo Farms, six other farmers and Egypt-based Tanta Motors for mass production through a public-private partnership.
According to him, the technology has increased yam yields by 35 per cent and farmers’ incomes by 20 per cent, while significantly reducing labour requirements.
Atanda said such innovations support national food security, generate employment and improve farmers’ livelihoods, stressing the need for increased investment and strategic partnerships to scale up indigenous agricultural technologies.
He also highlighted the contributions of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), noting that its post-harvest handling, food preservation and storage technologies have recorded over 80 per cent adoption nationwide.
The technologies, he said, include solar dryers, Ice Fish Boxes and hermetic storage systems designed to reduce food spoilage, extend shelf life and minimise dependence on chemical pesticides.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that sustained investment in agricultural research, innovation and collaboration remains critical to achieving food security, improving farmers’ incomes and driving Nigeria’s economic growth.
