The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has called for increased investment in agricultural research, innovation and strategic partnerships to drive the transformation of Africa’s food systems, saying science-led solutions remain critical to addressing food insecurity, climate change and other threats to sustainable agricultural development.
The call was made by the Executive Secretary of ARCN, Prof. Dabban Adamu, during the opening of the 9th African Agricultural Science Week (AASW) and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Abuja.
Prof. Adamu described the conference as a major continental platform bringing together policymakers, scientists, researchers, development partners, private sector players, farmers, women and youths to chart a new path for agricultural transformation across Africa.
He noted that Africa must harness science, technology and innovation to tackle food insecurity, climate change, land degradation and other challenges limiting agricultural productivity and economic growth.
According to him, the conference aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places agriculture, food security and economic growth at the heart of Nigeria’s development priorities.
The ARCN Executive Secretary stressed that sustained investment in agricultural research, innovation and technology would improve food and nutrition security, boost productivity, create jobs and enhance the livelihoods of millions of Africans.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Innovation and Partnership for a Resilient Sustainable Agri-Food System in Africa,” Adamu said the theme underscores the urgent need for collective action to confront climate change, land degradation, limited access to technology and shifting market demands.
He emphasised that overcoming these challenges would require stronger partnerships, scientific excellence and innovative solutions that place farmers and local communities at the centre of Africa’s agricultural transformation.
Prof. Adamu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting research that supports sustainable agricultural development through its network of research institutes, universities, government agencies, development partners and private sector collaborations.
He added that the week-long event provides opportunities for participants to exchange knowledge, showcase cutting-edge technologies, strengthen partnerships and develop practical solutions capable of enhancing the resilience of Africa’s agri-food systems.
The ARCN boss also commended FARA, the Federal Government, development partners, sponsors, members of the local organising committee and volunteers for ensuring the successful hosting of the conference.
In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, challenged African countries to move beyond merely adopting imported technologies to becoming global leaders in developing home-grown agricultural innovations.
“Knowledge has become the most valuable agricultural resource of the twenty-first century. Our ability to harness this knowledge through science, technology and innovation will determine whether we achieve the agricultural transformation we all seek. Africa must move beyond technology consumption to technology generation,” the minister said.
Kyari highlighted ongoing Federal Government reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector through investments in irrigation, mechanisation, digital agriculture, agro-industrialisation and agricultural financing.
He further noted that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, satellite technology, biotechnology, digital platforms and data science, would shape the future of agriculture in Africa, urging researchers and policymakers to harness these innovations to build resilient, productive and sustainable food systems.
The 9th African Agricultural Science Week and the 10th FARA General Assembly attracted participants from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on practical strategies for strengthening inclusive, productive and sustainable agri-food systems on the continent.
