By Palma Ileye
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 yesterday 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 sector.
Speaking on the theme “Success Stories of Agricultural Innovations by Agricultural Institutions,” 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.
“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,” Kehinde said.
He highlighted FUNAAB’s achievements in cassava processing, maize value addition and horticultural preservation, which have produced innovations such as odourless fufu, cassava bread, garri, honey, processed cashew nuts and finely brewed palm wine. He noted that farmers using the University’s cassava technologies have recorded income increases of up to 60 per cent.
Representing provosts of Colleges of Agriculture, Professor Jonathan Atungwu described agricultural institutions as catalysts for national development. “These are not just centres of learning; they are engines of transformation shaping Nigeria’s agrifood future,” he said, citing IITA’s improved cassava varieties and Youth Agripreneurs Programme as examples of impactful innovations.
Also speaking, Executive Director of the Nigeria Institute of Horticultural Research (NIHORT), Professor Muhammed Lawal Atanda, showcased a yam mound-making technology capable of producing 2,650 mounds daily. He said the innovation, already adopted by Obasanjo Farms and other partners, has increased yam yields by 35 per cent and farmers’ incomes by 20 per cent.
Atanda stressed that such breakthroughs support national food security, generate employment and improve livelihoods, urging government and private sector partners to scale up indigenous agricultural technologies.
