By Felicia Imohimi
Agricultural institutions have called for greater investment, collaboration and policy support to scale up research-driven innovations capable of transforming Nigeria’s food systems, creating jobs and improving rural livelihoods.
The call was made at the Nigeria day of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) in Abuja.
Prof. Olusola Kehinde, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), said agricultural institutions had evolved beyond their traditional teaching role to become innovation hubs addressing farmers’ challenges and driving national development.
He said agriculture remained Nigeria’s strategic sector, contributing significantly to GDP, employment and rural livelihoods in spite of challenges such as low productivity, climate change, post-harvest losses and inadequate mechanisation.
Presenting a paper titled “Success Stories of Agricultural Innovations by Agricultural Institutions,” Kehinde said innovation and collaboration were critical to modernising agriculture and strengthening food security.
“Innovation and collaboration are the twin pillars required to modernise agriculture, improve productivity and enhance food security.
“Our agricultural institutions are no longer just centres of learning; they are engines of innovation, enterprise development and human capital capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector through research-driven solutions,” he said.
Kehinde said FUNAAB had developed technologies in cassava processing, maize value addition and horticultural preservation, while producing value-added products including odourless fufu, cassava bread, garri, honey, processed cashew nuts and palm wine.
According to him, the innovations have reduced post-harvest losses, extended product shelf life and stimulated the growth of agro-based small and medium enterprises.
He added that farmers using the university’s cassava processing technologies had recorded income increases of up to 60 per cent, while its agripreneurship, biotechnology, digital agriculture and extension programmes were creating jobs and strengthening local value chains.
Kehinde urged government to increase investment in agricultural research, biotechnology, digital agriculture and agripreneurship, while sustaining policies that would enable institutions to commercialise innovations and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness.
Also speaking, Prof. Jonathan Atungwu, representing Provosts of Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria, said agricultural colleges and research institutions had become catalysts for national development.
According to him, the institutions translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions that improve farmers’ productivity and livelihoods.
“These are not just centres of learning; they are engines of transformation shaping Nigeria’s agrifood future.
“The value of agricultural institutions lies not only in generating knowledge but in solving real agricultural problems through research and innovation.
“Improved cassava varieties developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have significantly increased crop yields, while its Youth Agripreneurs Programme has equipped young Nigerians with the skills needed to build successful agribusinesses.
“This demonstrates how research can be effectively translated into impact,” he said.
Similarly, Prof. Muhammed Atanda, Executive Director of the Nigeria Institute of Horticultural Research (NIHORT), speaking on behalf of agricultural research institutes, said indigenous technologies were improving productivity and farmers’ incomes.
He said one of the institute’s innovations could produce about 2,650 yam mounds daily, increasing yam yields by 35 per cent and farmers’ incomes by 20 per cent while reducing labour requirements.
According to him, the technology has been adopted by Obasanjo Farms, six other farmers and Egypt-based Tanta Motors for mass production under a public-private partnership arrangement.
Atanda said the innovation supports national food security, creates employment opportunities and improves farmers’ livelihoods, underscoring the need to scale up indigenous agricultural technologies through strategic partnerships and increased investment.
He also highlighted the contributions of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) in reducing post-harvest losses through storage and preservation technologies.
According to him, the institute has developed technologies for grains, roots, tubers, fruits, vegetables, fish and livestock products, with adoption exceeding 80 per cent nationwide.
He listed some of the technologies as solar dryers, Ice Fish Boxes and hermetic storage systems.
Atanda called for stronger partnerships, increased investment and sustained policy support to accelerate the adoption of home-grown agricultural technologies for improved food security, job creation and rural development. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Tosin Kolade