Nigeria’s quest to achieve food security, strengthen agricultural value chains and diversify its economy is increasingly being anchored on research, innovation and strategic collaboration. Through the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), agricultural universities, research institutes and colleges are playing a pivotal role in developing technologies that boost productivity, improve farmers’ incomes and accelerate the country’s transition to a more resilient and competitive agricultural sector.
These efforts took centre stage at Nigeria Day during the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week, where experts, researchers and policymakers showcased home-grown innovations and called for stronger investment and collaboration to unlock the full potential of agricultural research in driving economic growth.
Presenting a paper titled “Success Stories of Agricultural Innovations by Agricultural Institutions,” the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Olusola Babatunde Kehinde, said agricultural institutions have evolved beyond their conventional teaching and research mandates to become innovation centres providing practical solutions to Nigeria’s food security and economic challenges.
He noted that although agriculture remains one of the country’s largest contributors to employment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), persistent challenges such as climate change, low productivity, post-harvest losses and inadequate mechanisation continue to constrain the sector’s full potential.
“Agriculture remains Nigeria’s most strategic sector, contributing significantly to GDP, employment and rural livelihoods, yet the country continues to grapple with food insecurity, inflation, low productivity and climate variability,” he said.
Professor Kehinde identified innovation and collaboration as the two critical drivers of agricultural transformation.
“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,” he stated.
Highlighting FUNAAB’s achievements, he said the university has recorded significant breakthroughs in agro-processing and value addition through innovations in cassava processing, maize production and horticultural preservation.
According to him, the institution now produces value-added products including odourless fufu, cassava bread, garri, processed cashew nuts, honey and finely brewed palm wine, innovations that have reduced post-harvest losses, improved product shelf life and stimulated the growth of agro-based small and medium enterprises.
He also highlighted the university’s investments in agripreneurship, biotechnology, digital agriculture and extension services, revealing that farmers who adopted its cassava processing technologies recorded income increases of up to 60 per cent, while youth-led agribusinesses established through its programmes continue to create jobs and strengthen local agricultural value chains.
Calling for greater support, Professor Kehinde urged government to prioritise investment in research and innovation.
“The success stories we celebrate today are not endpoints; they are foundations. We must scale these innovations, institutionalise research and ensure that agriculture becomes the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic future,” he said.
Representing the Provosts of Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria, Professor Jonathan Atungwu described agricultural colleges and research institutions as strategic platforms for translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions capable of transforming farming systems across the country.
He said the institutions have become catalysts for innovation and national development rather than mere centres of academic instruction.
“These are not just centres of learning; they are engines of transformation shaping Nigeria’s agrifood future,” Atungwu said.
Using the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as an example, he noted that improved cassava varieties developed by the institute have significantly increased crop yields, while its Youth Agripreneurs Programme has equipped young Nigerians with the skills required to build sustainable agribusinesses.
“This demonstrates how research can be effectively translated into impact. Stronger collaboration among universities, research institutes, government and the private sector is essential if we are to scale these successes,” he added.
Another presentation at the event highlighted a locally developed yam mound-making technology designed to tackle labour shortages and improve productivity in yam cultivation.
The innovation, developed by one of Nigeria’s agricultural research institutions, is capable of producing approximately 2,650 yam mounds daily and has already been adopted by Obasanjo Farms, six commercial farmers and Egypt-based Tanta Motors under a public-private partnership arrangement for mass production.
Developers of the technology said its adoption has delivered a 35 per cent increase in yam yields and a 20 per cent rise in farmers’ incomes while significantly reducing the labour burden associated with yam production.
According to the developers, the technology demonstrates the immense potential of indigenous agricultural innovations to improve productivity, create jobs and strengthen national food security if adequately supported.
Participants at the event agreed that sustained investment in agricultural research, technology commercialisation and strategic partnerships will be critical to positioning Nigeria’s agricultural sector as a major driver of food security, industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
