The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has called for increased investment in agricultural research, innovation and strategic partnerships to transform Africa’s food systems, saying science-driven solutions are essential to addressing food insecurity, climate change, land degradation and other challenges threatening sustainable agricultural development across the continent.
According to an official statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of ARCN, Khadijat O. Ameen, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Professor Dabban Adamu, made the call 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.
Professor Adamu said Africa must harness science, technology and innovation to tackle food insecurity, climate change and other factors limiting agricultural productivity and economic growth. He described the conference as a landmark continental platform bringing together policymakers, scientists, researchers, development partners, private sector leaders, farmers, women and youth to chart a new course for agricultural transformation across the continent.
He noted that the conference aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, which places agriculture, food security and economic growth at the centre of the nation’s development priorities.
The ARCN Executive Secretary stressed that sustained investment in research, innovation and technology would strengthen food and nutrition security, improve agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities and enhance the livelihoods of millions of Africans.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Innovation and Partnership for a Resilient Sustainable Agri-Food System in Africa,” Professor Adamu said the theme underscores the urgent need for stronger collaboration to address climate change, land degradation, limited access to technology and evolving market demands. He maintained that scientific excellence, innovation and inclusive partnerships that place farmers and local communities at the centre of agricultural development remain critical to achieving resilient food systems across Africa.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing research-driven agricultural development through ARCN’s network of research institutes, universities, government agencies and partnerships with development organisations and the private sector. He added that the week-long conference provides participants with opportunities to exchange knowledge, showcase emerging technologies, strengthen partnerships and develop practical solutions to improve the resilience of Africa’s agri-food systems.
Professor Adamu also commended FARA, the Federal Government, development partners, sponsors, members of the local organising committee and volunteers for their contributions to the successful hosting of the conference.
Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, urged African countries to move beyond adopting foreign agricultural technologies and become leaders in developing indigenous innovations capable of transforming the continent’s agricultural sector.
The minister said knowledge has become the most valuable resource in modern agriculture, stressing that Africa’s ability to harness science, technology and innovation would determine the success of its agricultural transformation agenda. He called on governments, researchers and development partners to prioritise home-grown technological solutions.
Kyari highlighted ongoing Federal Government reforms aimed at revitalising the agricultural sector through 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 pivotal role in building resilient, productive and sustainable agri-food systems across Africa.
The 9th African Agricultural Science Week and the 10th FARA General Assembly brought together stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on practical strategies for promoting inclusive, resilient and sustainable agricultural development across the continent.
