Agricultural research institutions, universities and colleges across Nigeria have called for increased investment, stronger collaboration and sustained policy support to scale up home-grown agricultural innovations capable of transforming the country’s food systems, creating jobs and driving economic growth.
The call was made during Nigeria Day at the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week, where stakeholders showcased research breakthroughs and technological innovations designed to improve agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen rural livelihoods.
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 traditional teaching centres to become innovation hubs addressing farmers’ challenges and contributing significantly to national development.
According to him, agriculture remains Nigeria’s most strategic sector, contributing substantially to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment and rural livelihoods despite persistent challenges such as low productivity, climate change, post-harvest losses and inadequate mechanisation.
He identified innovation and collaboration as critical drivers for modernising agriculture, increasing productivity and achieving sustainable 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.
Highlighting FUNAAB’s achievements, the Vice-Chancellor said the university has developed innovations in cassava processing, maize value addition and horticultural preservation technologies, leading to the production of value-added products including odourless fufu, cassava bread, garri, honey, processed cashew nuts and finely brewed palm wine.
He noted that the technologies have significantly reduced post-harvest losses, extended product shelf life and stimulated the growth of agro-based small and medium enterprises.
Kehinde further disclosed that farmers adopting FUNAAB’s cassava processing technologies have recorded income increases of up to 60 per cent, while the institution’s agripreneurship programmes, biotechnology research, digital agriculture initiatives and extension services have continued to create employment opportunities and strengthen agricultural value chains.
He urged governments at all levels to increase funding for agricultural research, digital agriculture, biotechnology and agripreneurship while providing enabling policies that would facilitate the commercialisation of research outputs.
Speaking on behalf of Provosts of Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria, Professor Jonathan Atungwu described agricultural colleges and research institutions as catalysts for national development, stressing that 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,” Atungwu said.
He explained that the true value of agricultural institutions lies in their ability to solve real agricultural problems through innovation and research.
Using the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as an example, Atungwu said improved cassava varieties developed by the institute have significantly increased crop yields, while its Youth Agripreneurs Programme has empowered young Nigerians with the skills required to establish successful agribusinesses.
He called for stronger partnerships among universities, research institutes, government agencies and the private sector to accelerate the adoption and commercialisation of agricultural innovations.
Also speaking on behalf of agricultural research institutes in Nigeria, the Executive Director of the Nigeria Institute of Horticultural Research (NIHORT), Ibadan, Professor Muhammed Lawal Atanda, highlighted several research breakthroughs that are improving agricultural productivity and farmers’ incomes.
He cited the development of an innovative yam mound-making technology capable of producing about 2,650 yam mounds daily, saying the equipment has already been adopted by Obasanjo Farms, six other commercial farmers and Egypt-based Tanta Motors for mass production under a public-private partnership.
According to him, the innovation has increased yam yields by 35 per cent while raising farmers’ incomes by 20 per cent and significantly reducing labour requirements in yam cultivation.
He stressed that indigenous innovations such as the yam technology play a critical role in enhancing national food security, creating employment opportunities and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Professor Atanda also highlighted the achievements of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), noting that the institute’s technologies for post-harvest handling, food preservation and storage have recorded over 80 per cent adoption nationwide.
He explained that the institute has developed several post-harvest technologies, including solar dryers, Ice Fish Boxes and hermetic storage systems designed to reduce food spoilage, extend shelf life and minimise dependence on chemical pesticides.
Participants at the event agreed that strengthening investment in agricultural research and fostering stronger collaboration among research institutions, government and the private sector would be crucial to accelerating innovation, achieving food security and positioning agriculture as a major driver of Nigeria’s economic growth.
