The Federal Government has strengthened its collaboration with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) to promote agricultural research and accelerate the adoption of innovations aimed at building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems across the continent.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, announced the partnership on Monday while declaring open the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) and the 10th FARA General Assembly in Abuja.
The conference was held under the theme: “Innovations and Partnerships for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa.”
Mr Kyari said Africa’s abundant natural resources alone were insufficient to guarantee prosperity, stressing that research findings must be transformed into innovations, businesses and practical solutions that improve livelihoods.
He noted that the Africa Agriculture Science Week serves as a strategic platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering partnerships and advancing scientific innovations capable of transforming the continent’s agrifood systems.
The minister reaffirmed that agriculture remains a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising that food security is closely linked to national security, economic development and social stability.
He said the Federal Government is pursuing reforms aimed at expanding irrigation infrastructure, strengthening agricultural mechanisation, improving farmers’ access to quality inputs and increasing investment in agricultural research, innovation and technology.
Mr Kyari also highlighted the growing role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring, biotechnology and digital platforms in boosting agricultural productivity, expanding market access and strengthening climate resilience.
According to him, sustained investment in scientific research, innovation and strategic partnerships would enable Africa to emerge as a global leader in developing agricultural solutions tailored to the continent’s unique ecological conditions.
“The future of African agriculture will not be determined solely by the size of our farms or the extent of our natural resources.
“It will be determined by the strength of our institutions, the quality of our science and our willingness to invest consistently in knowledge,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, described the conference as timely, noting that Nigeria’s collaboration with FARA underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing scientific research and agricultural development.
Mr Maiha said innovation remains essential to transforming Africa’s agrifood systems and unlocking the sector’s full potential.
Delivering a virtual presentation, the Director-General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr Simeon Ehui, said challenges such as drought, climate change, biodiversity loss and rising food prices could be addressed through science, innovation and stronger collaboration.
“Science works, innovation works and partnership works. Let us accelerate and scale up innovation,” he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr Abubakar Daban, said the conference aligns with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places agriculture, food security and economic growth among its top priorities.
Mr Daban said addressing climate change, food insecurity and low agricultural productivity would require stronger partnerships and science-driven solutions.
He urged stakeholders to deepen collaboration to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential and build resilient, sustainable agrifood systems for the future.
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