Agricultural institutions across Nigeria have showcased a range of home-grown innovations capable of transforming the country’s food systems, creating jobs and strengthening rural livelihoods, while calling for greater collaboration, investment and policy support to scale up research-driven solutions.
The call was made on Thursday at the 9th Africa Agriculture science week, where stakeholders from universities, colleges of agriculture and research institutes highlighted success stories demonstrating how innovation is improving productivity, reducing post-harvest losses and expanding agribusiness opportunities.
Presenting a paper titled “Success Stories of Agricultural Innovations by Agricultural Institutions,” the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Olusola Babatunde Kehinde, said agricultural institutions have evolved beyond their traditional teaching role to become innovation hubs that are addressing farmers’ challenges and driving national development.
“Agriculture remains Nigeria’s most strategic sector, contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment and rural livelihoods despite challenges including low productivity, climate change, post-harvest losses and inadequate mechanisation.”
Representing Provosts of Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria, Prof. Jonathan Atungwu described agricultural colleges and research institutions as catalysts for national development, saying they have become centres where scientific discoveries are translated into practical solutions for farmers.
