Food Security: Hope Rises as NADF, ARCN Begin Review of Agric Research System
The Nigerian agricultural research system, which last received significant government attention over 25 years ago, is set for a comprehensive review as the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) initiate a Baseline Survey and Needs Assessment of Agricultural Research Institutes and Federal Colleges of Agriculture. This development comes at a critical time when Nigeria continues to grapple with low crop yields, poor animal production, and a rapidly growing population.
Research is the foundation of agricultural productivity. Without an effective research system, farmers lack access to high-quality seeds, livestock production remains stagnant, and the country becomes increasingly dependent on food imports.
The current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, has made food security a top priority. One of its first steps was renaming the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, signaling a renewed focus on addressing the nation’s food production challenges.
The NADF’s latest initiative aims to identify gaps in the agricultural research system and develop strategies to enhance productivity. According to Professor Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary of ARCN, this move marks a significant turning point for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“This signifies a rebirth of the agricultural system in Nigeria,” Sharubutu said. “I am convinced that President Tinubu’s reforms are finally touching the core of our research system, which was last reviewed more than 25 years ago.”
The review is expected to address critical issues such as outdated research facilities, insufficient funding, and the need for modern technologies to improve crop and livestock production. By revitalizing the research system, the government aims to equip farmers with improved seeds, advanced farming techniques, and better animal breeds, ultimately reducing the country’s reliance on food imports.
Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that a robust research system is essential for achieving food security and sustainable development. They have called on the government to ensure the timely implementation of the review’s recommendations to maximize its impact.
As Nigeria faces the dual challenges of a rising population and climate change, the revitalization of its agricultural research system offers hope for a more food-secure future.
