The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has embarked on a partnership aimed at promoting agri-food system transformation for smallholder farmers’ empowerment. The initiative seeks to address the unprecedented challenges facing the global food system and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
During a meeting with Dr. Donal Brown, the Associate Vice-President of IFAD, in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, announced plans to organize an agriculture and food security summit later in the year. The summit aims to bring together a diverse community of organizational partners and strategic stakeholders representing the public, private, and social sectors.
Sen. Kyari emphasized that the summit would focus on fostering innovation and implementing new technologies for Inclusive Agri-Food System Transformation and Smallholder farmers’ empowerment. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with IFAD in achieving these goals, highlighting the country’s participation in the United Nations Food System Stocktaking moment in July 2023 as evidence of its dedication to partnership.
In response, Dr. Donal Brown reaffirmed IFAD’s unwavering support to the Federal Government, emphasizing Nigeria’s position as one of IFAD’s strongest partners. He expressed his mission to strengthen and deepen the partnership further, underscoring IFAD’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development in Nigeria.
The collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and IFAD underscores a shared commitment to addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and promoting inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices. Through concerted efforts and strategic partnerships, the initiative aims to drive positive change in Nigeria’s agricultural sector and contribute to global food security.
