By Nkechi Eze
Preparations for the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW), scheduled to hold from 27 to 30 July 2026, are gaining momentum as delegates from the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) take the initiative directly to key stakeholders across the country.
In an official statement, Khadijat O. Ameen, Public Relations Officer to the Executive Secretary of ARCN, disclosed that on 26 March 2026, Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, Executive Secretary of ARCN, led the FARA delegation on a visit to the office of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Abubakar Kyari. The minister emphasized the importance of highlighting Nigeria’s innovations and technological advancements in agriculture, while identifying areas where the country can improve. He pledged the ministry’s support for the upcoming conference, describing it as a commendable initiative worth encouraging.
The delegation also visited the Ministry of Livestock Development, where Minister Dr. Mukhtar Maiha highlighted the importance of engaging investors in the production of livestock farming tools. He pledged full support from his ministry and promised to actively participate in the initiative where necessary.
During the visits, Prof. Oluwole Fatunbi briefed the ministers on the mission plan, marking the first site visits in preparation for the event. He reaffirmed FARA’s commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian team to ensure a world-class science week, with events tailored to showcase innovations and foster partnerships that strengthen Africa’s agrifood sector.
The 2026 AASW will run under the theme: “Innovations and Partnerships for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa”, bringing together stakeholders from across the continent to position the sector for growth, resilience, and sustainable development.
