The Federal Government has called on African countries to increase investment in agricultural science, research and innovation to transform the continent’s agrifood systems and strengthen food security.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the call while declaring open the 9th Africa Agricultural Science Week (AASW) and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Abuja.
Kyari said Africa’s future prosperity depends on its ability to invest in science, innovation and strong institutions that can drive sustainable agricultural development.
He noted that history has shown that nations achieved economic prosperity only after developing the capacity to feed their populations through deliberate investments in agricultural research and innovation.
According to the minister, the conference provides an important platform for knowledge exchange, policy development, partnerships and research aimed at transforming Africa’s food systems.
Kyari said Africa is endowed with fertile land, rich biodiversity, abundant natural resources and a youthful population, but these advantages can only translate into sustainable development through innovation and enterprise.
He stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has placed agriculture at the centre of its Renewed Hope Agenda, recognising that food security is essential for national security, economic growth and social stability.
The minister said the Federal Government is implementing reforms to build a modern, competitive and climate-resilient agricultural sector.
These reforms include expanding irrigation, increasing mechanisation, improving access to quality seeds and fertilisers, enhancing agricultural financing, promoting digital agriculture and supporting agro-industrial development.
Kyari added that the government is strengthening agricultural research institutions, universities, extension services and strategic partnerships to ensure that public policies are guided by scientific evidence.
He said progress recorded across several agricultural value chains demonstrates that sustained investment and institutional reforms can improve productivity, create jobs, strengthen rural livelihoods and enhance food security.
The minister also highlighted the growing role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring, biotechnology, digital platforms and data science in improving agricultural productivity across Africa.
He urged African countries to position themselves as global leaders in developing technologies suited to the continent’s unique ecological conditions and farming systems.
Kyari called for sustained investment in national agricultural research systems, universities, innovation hubs, digital infrastructure and scientific talent.
He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among governments, researchers, development partners, farmers and the private sector to accelerate agricultural transformation.
According to him, the future of African agriculture will depend more on the strength of its institutions and scientific research than on the size of its land resources.
He urged researchers to ensure that scientific discoveries are translated into practical solutions that improve productivity, create employment, strengthen climate resilience, restore degraded land, improve nutrition and support economic growth.
Kyari also commended the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa for promoting collaboration among governments, universities, research institutions, development partners and the private sector.
Also speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, called for stronger collaboration, innovation and sustained investment in agricultural research to build resilient agrifood systems across the continent.
Dabban described the conference as an important platform for advancing Africa’s agricultural transformation through science-driven solutions.
He said the gathering brought together researchers, policymakers, development partners, private sector operators, farmers and innovators committed to addressing Africa’s food security challenges.
According to him, Nigeria’s hosting of the event reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to agricultural development and regional cooperation in research and innovation.
Dabban noted that the conference aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises agriculture, food security and economic growth as key drivers of national development.
He said increased investment in agricultural research and technology would improve productivity, strengthen food and nutrition security, build resilient agrifood systems and improve the livelihoods of millions of Africans.
The ARCN Executive Secretary added that the conference theme, “Innovations and Partnerships for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa,” underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing climate change, food insecurity and low agricultural productivity.
He urged participants to strengthen partnerships, promote research and develop practical solutions that will unlock Africa’s agricultural potential and ensure sustainable food security across the continent.
