Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has called for increased investment in agricultural research, innovation and strategic partnerships to strengthen Africa’s food systems and address food insecurity, climate change and other challenges affecting sustainable agricultural development.
The Executive Secretary of ARCN, Prof. Dabban Adamu, made the call yesterday at the opening of the 9th African Agricultural Science Week (AASW) and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Abuja.
Adamu said Africa must harness science, technology and innovation to overcome food insecurity, land degradation and other factors limiting agricultural productivity and economic growth.
He described the conference as a major continental platform bringing together policymakers, scientists, researchers, development partners, private sector operators, farmers, women and youth to develop practical solutions for transforming Africa’s agricultural sector.
According to him, the conference aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises agriculture, food security and economic growth.
He noted that sustained investment in agricultural research and technology would improve food and nutrition security, boost productivity, create jobs and enhance livelihoods across the continent.
Speaking on the theme, “Innovation and Partnership for a Resilient Sustainable Agri-Food System in Africa,” Adamu stressed the need for stronger collaboration to tackle climate change, limited access to technology, land degradation and changing market demands.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing agricultural research through its network of research institutes, universities, government agencies and partnerships with development organisations and the private sector.
The ARCN boss added that the week-long event would provide opportunities for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, showcase innovative technologies, strengthen partnerships and develop solutions to improve the resilience of Africa’s agri-food systems.
Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, urged African countries to move beyond adopting foreign technologies and begin developing home-grown agricultural innovations.
According to him, science, technology and innovation will determine Africa’s ability to achieve sustainable agricultural transformation.
Kyari highlighted ongoing Federal Government reforms, including investments in irrigation, mechanisation, digital agriculture, agro-industrialisation and agricultural financing.
He added that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite technology, biotechnology, digital platforms and data science would play a key role in shaping the future of agriculture, urging researchers and policymakers to harness these innovations to build resilient and sustainable food systems.
The 9th African Agricultural Science Week and the 10th FARA General Assembly attracted stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on strategies for building inclusive, productive and sustainable agri-food systems.
