ARCN turns agricultural system into practical technologies

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has strengthened Nigeria’s drive to turn agricultural research system into practical technologies, improved varieties and commercial opportunities.

A new ARCN Country Snapshot on Research Commercialisation in Nigeria, presented at the Scaling Innovation for the CAADP Kampala Agenda session in Dakar by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban, places Nigeria at Stage 2 of Building Capacity on the research-commercialisation journey.

The council has reached over 400 agricultural innovations and improved technologies, 578 adopted villages and schools.

Dr Dabban added that over 3,200 farmers through six FCT AROC centres, 100,000+ farming families were also reached nationally.

These achievements demonstrate the growing connection between research institutions, farmers, extension actors, communities and private-sector players.

But ARCN is looking beyond achievements.

The Council has also identified key gaps in IP management, technology transfer, industry engagement, investment, licensing and commercialisation funding that must be addressed to move research innovations into bankable market products.

Others are Stronger Technology Transfer & Commercialisation Offices, better IP and licensing frameworks, proof-of-concept funding, stronger investor/agribusiness linkages and institute spin-off companies.

Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban however reiterates that ARCN is pushing a clear message, Nigeria’s agricultural research must not end in laboratories or on shelves it must reach the farmer, create value and connect with the market.

ARCN Turning Agricultural Research into Impact.