By Felicia Imohimi

The German Cooperation (GIZ) has called for stronger institutional capacity to sustain agricultural innovations and drive long-term transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Alexis Brakhan, Project Manager, GIZ Global Programme on Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Policies (AgSys), made the call at the close-out workshop of the Strengthening Institutional Frameworks for Transformative Agricultural Systems (SIFTAS) project on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the SIFTAS project is implemented by Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), with funding from GIZ.

The project seeks to integrate transformative agricultural innovations into Nigeria’s agricultural education, training and extension systems.

Brakhan said the collaboration was undertaken under AgSys, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

He identified the transformation of agricultural and food systems as a strategic priority of BMZ, saying that addressing food insecurity, climate change and environmental degradation required more than increased agricultural productivity.

“BMZ promotes a transformation towards agricultural and food systems that are more sustainable, climate-resilient, inclusive and environmentally responsible.

“An important element is investing in knowledge, education and training, strengthening capacities and creating conditions for innovations to be sustained and scaled up.

“Through AgSys, GIZ supports sustainable agricultural policies, builds capacities and promotes innovations for long-term transformation.

“In Nigeria, one of our priorities is to ensure that agricultural innovations become embedded within existing systems for long-term dissemination,” he said.

Brakhan said the collaboration with SAA focused on integrating sustainable agricultural innovations into Nigeria’s agricultural education, training and extension systems.

He said SAA had supported the development of crop-specific agroforestry curricula and training materials for cassava, potato and rice, in collaboration with universities, agricultural colleges, research institutions and government stakeholders.

He added that the project also enhanced the skills of relevant personnel to deliver the innovations and integrated complementary practices into existing teaching, training and extension programmes.

“What makes this collaboration so important is its focus on institutions,” he said.

Brakhan said the close-out workshop provided an opportunity to recognise collective efforts, review progress and lessons, and reaffirm commitments to sustaining the project’s achievements.

He said a foundation for the next phase had been established through the development of a post-project Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Transition Framework and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

“The framework provides a basis for participating institutions to continue monitoring progress, documenting results and facilitating learning beyond direct project support,” he said.

He commended SAA for its commitment and leadership, as well as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders for contributing their expertise, time and resources. (NAN)

FUA/TAK

Edited by Tosin Kolade