Stakeholders Seek Greater Investment in Agricultural Innovation to Boost Food Security, Economic Growth

Stakeholders in Nigeria's agricultural sector have called for increased investment, stronger collaboration and sustained policy support to scale up home grown innovations capable of transforming the country's food systems, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

The call was made during the Nigeria Day celebration at the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week, where universities, colleges of agriculture and research institutes showcased research-driven innovations aimed at improving productivity, reducing post-harvest losses and expanding agribusiness opportunities across the country.

Delivering 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 teaching centres into innovation hubs addressing farmers' challenges and supporting national development.

He described agriculture as Nigeria's most strategic sector, noting that despite challenges such as low productivity, climate change, post-harvest losses and inadequate mechanisation, the sector remains a major contributor to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment and rural livelihoods.

According to him, innovation and collaboration are critical to modernising agriculture, improving productivity and strengthening food security.

"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," Kehinde said.

He highlighted FUNAAB's achievements in cassava processing, maize value addition and horticultural preservation technologies, which have resulted in value-added products including odourless fufu, cassava bread, garri, honey, processed cashew nuts and finely brewed palm wine.

Kehinde said the innovations have reduced post-harvest losses, improved product shelf life and stimulated the growth of agro-based small and medium enterprises. He added that the university's agripreneurship programmes, biotechnology research, digital agriculture initiatives and extension services have significantly improved farmers' livelihoods, with users of its cassava processing technologies recording income increases of up to 60 per cent.

He urged government to increase investment in agricultural research, biotechnology, digital agriculture and agripreneurship while providing policy support that would enable institutions to commercialise innovations and enhance Nigeria's competitiveness.

Representing provosts of colleges of agriculture, Professor Jonathan Atungwu described agricultural colleges and research institutes as catalysts for national development, saying they have become centres where scientific discoveries are translated into practical solutions for farmers.

"These are not just centres of learning; they are engines of transformation shaping Nigeria's agrifood future," he said.

Atungwu stressed that the true value of agricultural institutions lies in their ability to solve real farming challenges through research and innovation. He cited the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), noting that its improved cassava varieties have significantly increased yields, while its Youth Agripreneurs Programme has equipped young Nigerians with skills to establish successful agribusinesses.

He called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutes, government and the private sector to accelerate agricultural transformation.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Institute of Horticultural Research (NIHORT), Ibadan, Professor Muhammed Lawal Atanda, who spoke on behalf of agricultural research institutes, highlighted several success stories of locally developed technologies.

He disclosed that one of the institute's major innovations—a yam mound-making technology capable of producing about 2,650 yam mounds daily—has already been adopted by Obasanjo Farms, six other farmers and Egypt-based Tanta Motors for mass production under a public-private partnership arrangement.

According to Atanda, the technology has increased yam yields by 35 per cent, boosted farmers' incomes by 20 per cent and significantly reduced labour requirements in yam production.

He said such innovations support national food security, create employment opportunities and improve rural livelihoods, underscoring the need to scale up indigenous agricultural technologies through increased investment and strategic partnerships.

Atanda also highlighted the contributions of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), noting that its post-harvest technologies—including solar dryers, the Ice Fish Box and hermetic storage systems—have achieved more than 80 per cent adoption nationwide.

He explained that the technologies are designed to reduce food spoilage, extend the shelf life of agricultural produce and minimise dependence on chemical pesticides, thereby helping to curb post-harvest losses and improve food availability across the country.