The Federal Government has reiterated that Africa’s path to economic prosperity and self-sufficiency relies on deliberate investments in agricultural science, technology, and cross-border innovation.
Speaking at the opening of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW) and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Abuja, Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, stated that sustainable food security cannot be achieved without evidence-based research and institutional backing.
Noting that Africa is richly endowed with fertile lands, diverse ecosystems, abundant biodiversity, and one of the youngest populations in the world, the minister said that history had shown repeatedly that natural ren knowledge becomes innovation, when innovation becomes enterprise, and when enterprise creates opportunities that improve the lives of ordinary people
“There is an enduring truth that has shaped the history of nations: before countries became prosperous, they first learned how to feed their people; and before they transformed agriculture, they invested in science.
“That is precisely why the Africa Agricultural Science Week occupies such an important place in Africa’s development journey. It is much more than a scientific conference. It is the continent’s foremost platform for exchanging knowledge, forging partnerships, influencing policy, and advancing scientific solutions that can transform Africa’s agrifood systems,” he said.
According to Kyari, the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is prioritizing agriculture within its Renewed Hope Agenda, placing science and technology at the center of national security and economic stability.
He explained that the Tinubu-led administration recognises that transforming agriculture requires much more than increasing production. For him it requires building a modern, competitive, climate-resilient, and market-oriented agrifood system driven by science, technology, innovation, and private-sector investment.
The minister outlined ongoing structural reforms, including the expansion of all-season farming, irrigation infrastructure, agricultural mechanization, enhanced seed access, and support for National Agricultural Research Institutes.
The minister emphasised that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite crop monitoring, and digital extension services present an opportunity for Africa to generate localized solutions rather than merely consuming foreign technologies.
“Science has always been the invisible force behind every successful agricultural transformation. Every improved crop variety, every productive soil, every climate-smart farming practice, every efficient irrigation system, and every successful agricultural policy reflects years of scientific inquiry, experimentation, and innovation.
“Research, therefore, does much more than generate new knowledge. It reduces uncertainty, informs policy, strengthens private-sector confidence, attracts investment, and equips farmers with the technologies they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world,” he added.
In his remarks, Abubakar Dabban, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), stressed that stakeholders must strengthen partnerships to convert research into field-level productivity and ensure long-term regional food resilience.
He emphasised that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu- led administration which places agriculture, food security, and economic growth at the heart of Nigeria’s national development priorities.
“Through sustained investment in agricultural research, innovation, and technology, we can build resilient agrifood systems, enhance productivity, ensure food and nutrition security, and improve the livelihoods of millions of Africans.
“The challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and low agricultural productivity can only be overcome through collaboration and science-driven solutions,” Dabban said.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the African Union (AU), Janet Edeme, acting head, Agriculture & food security division, emphasized that agricultural transformation is fundamental to achieving the goals of AU Agenda, the Kampala Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Edeme said that despite holding nearly 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, Africa remains vulnerable to climate shocks, land degradation, post-harvest losses, and supply chain disruptions.
“Innovation extends far beyond technology. Innovation means better policies, stronger institutions, empowering farmers with knowledge, and connecting researchers with producers,” she stated.
Edeme called for inclusive growth that supports smallholder farmers, women, pastoralists, and young entrepreneurs, while advocating for increased climate-resilient investments in drought-tolerant crops, renewable energy, and regional trade harmonization under the AfCFTA framework.
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