FG Calls for Stronger Partnerships to Transform Africa’s Agrifood System
The federal government has called for stronger collaboration among African governments, research institutions, development partners, and the private sector to accelerate agricultural transformation, strengthen food systems, and achieve sustainable food security across the continent.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening agricultural research, innovation, and regional collaboration as key drivers of food security across Africa. He urged African countries to translate scientific research into practical solutions by fostering stronger partnerships, promoting value addition, and building resilient agrifood systems capable of reducing the continent’s dependence on imported food products.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi said Africa’s food future depends on science-driven partnerships capable of delivering climate resilience, increased productivity, and improved livelihoods for farmers.
He noted that the four-day gathering showcased Africa’s collective commitment to harnessing research, innovation, and collaboration as tools for transforming agrifood systems.
According to him, the discussions and partnerships initiated during the conference must translate into concrete actions, collaborative research, stronger institutions, and greater investment in agriculture.
The Minister commended FARA for promoting regional cooperation by connecting research institutions, universities, farmer organisations, the private sector and development partners into a vibrant innovation ecosystem that ensures research delivers practical solutions to farmers and agribusinesses across Africa.
He also applauded participants for the scientific exchanges, policy dialogues, technology demonstrations, and youth innovation showcases that characterised the assembly, describing them as evidence of Africa’s growing capacity to drive agricultural transformation through home-grown solutions.
The newly elected Chairperson of the FARA Board, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe pledged to strengthen agricultural research and innovation, deepen strategic partnerships, mobilise investments, and promote resilient food systems while prioritising youth and women’s participation in line with the CAADP Kampala Declaration.
The event featured the unveiling of a new FARA Board of Directors, marking the beginning of a new leadership phase expected to advance agricultural research, innovation, and food security across the African continent.
