NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Go into agro-business for sustainable employment- Gotomo
Food Security

Go into agro-business for sustainable employment- Gotomo

560 total views today

By Ahmed Dantala

Mr Abubakar Gotomo, founder of Gotomo Farms and Wildlife Services, has urged the youths to explore agro-business as a pathway to sustainable employment.

 

Gotomo made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Diko, Niger on Sunday.

 

NAN reports that agriculture offers a significant pathway to sustainable employment in Nigeria, particularly when focusing on sustainable farming practices.

 

These practices, such as crop rotation, agro-forestry, and efficient water management, can boost yields, reduce costs, and improve resilience to climate change.

 

“People should aspire to come into agriculture to pursue such a business that they can be rich within the shortest possible time. When you pursue it, you do it according to the best practice, be rest assure you will make your money.

 

“Here at Gotomo farm, we have about 36 concrete fish ponds, we have over 10 earthen farms for fish production. But I’m just giving a simple example of one pond farm which has the capacity to store 2,500 catfish.

 

‘’2,500 catfish, if well fed, within 100 to 120 days, they can grow to the table size. Three of them can give you one kg, averagely, If you are lucky, two can give you one kg, but three can give you one kg.

 

‘’At a conservative price now, a kg can give you 2,000. Now imagine, as a graduate, you have one pond farm of 2,500 catfish. You manage it in 120 days; you’d be rest assured of going with a profit of two million Naira.’’

 

He added that the agriculture sector remains a veritable means of opportunity, saying the value chain is even more significant.

 

‘’Even if it’s in the service of input, providing input, selling, marketing, transportation, actively performing on the farm. So, I encourage our graduates, don’t wait. You have no time to wait.

 

‘’You are a fresh graduate from the NYSC, come, try to get that orientation. As soon as you finish your NYSC, please go to the farm, the job is there waiting for you.’’

 

Gotomo said that the search for economic independence was his drive and motivation to go into agri-business.

 

“I left the civil service very early because I have been naturally an independent person. And at the civil service I realised that I have a lot of restrictions and limitations and I can’t achieve my aspirations as a civil servant.

 

“With the civil service I discovered that promotion is your limit, you can’t go beyond promotion. Your competency, your experience, your expertise is not enough for you to secure any job.

 

‘’You have still to go and start lobbying here and there. I feel, no, I have to look for something more independent. With food production, people must eat and you have access to market when you produce, people must buy.

 

‘’The fact that you graduate does not mean that you should go and be a servant to anybody. That education should serve as a light that will help you to pursue any venture, so I went into adventure,’’ he said.

 

Gotomo said that contamination of the soil, chemical application, post-harvest management, application of preservatives and pesticides, are factors affecting the quality and health of the food.

 

He said that the Gotomo farm uses organic principles in order to give out products that are healthy enough and safe for human consumption.

 

“We are trying to train people, all the people working here with us, then those coming in to get training, we give them those principles. And with that, gradually, we can scale our food system and ensure food security.

 

“Food security is not just about the availability of food alone. It is also about the quality of that food,’’ he said.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Young farmers urge local food production, livestock expansion
Food Security

Young farmers urge local food production, livestock expansion

260 total views today

By Daniel Obaje

Young agriculturists in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, have called on the Federal Government to increase support for local food producers to boost livestock farming and reduce dependence on imported animal products.

 

The farmers made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at their integrated livestock and crop farm in Mararaba, as part of a field report on sustainable agriculture and youth participation.

 

Mr Ogese Samuel, an economist and co-manager of the farm, said that the project was set up to promote food security, create employment and demonstrate the profitability of agriculture among young people in Nigeria.

 

“We rear catfish, broilers, local chickens, turkey, rabbit, snail, earthworm and pigs. All are sold locally and the business is very profitable.

 

“Our goal is to support the national food system and create jobs. But we need funds to expand. With the population rising, the demand for protein is increasing daily.”

 

He noted that in spite of the challenges of manpower and capital, the farm continues to grow.

 

He highlighted the need for government-backed loans, youth-targeted grants and access to reliable markets to scale up their impact.

 

“Agriculture has inelastic demand; people must eat every day. What we need is support to grow our capacity”

 

He also emphasised the importance of food safety, saying the farm maintains strict hygiene standards and collaborates with Nasarawa State inspection teams to ensure compliance with health regulations.

 

Miss Maranata Fadawa, a director in the farm, encouraged young Nigerians to embrace agriculture rather than turning to crime or fraud.

 

“Farming is hard work but comes with dignity and reward. We need to stop being lazy and do what will bring us honest income”

 

The experts urged the government and development partners to invest more in training and mentorship programmes that can expose young people to manage modern farming techniques.

 

They added that with the right support, agriculture can become a key driver of youth employment and national economic growth.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Organic food: Farmers seek FG support on markets, chemical use
Food Security

Organic food: Farmers seek FG support on markets, chemical use

244 total views today

By Daniel Obaje

Experts in the agriculture sector have urged the Federal Government to prioritise organic farming and reduce reliance on hazardous agrochemicals, which threatens public health and limit Nigeria’s access to international markets.

 

They made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Karshi, Abuja during a visit to organic farms as part of a field report on sustainable agricultural practices.

 

Mr Adams Peter, Managing Director of Amadam’s Organic Agricultural Company, said Nigeria’s overdependence on chemical-based farming has become a major barrier to global trade.

 

“Our food exports are being rejected in many countries because they are not organic and are contaminated by chemicals,”

 

He explained that most farmers lack proper training on the safe use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers which leads to misuse and unsafe residue levels in food.

 

Peter, whose company has been operating since 2001, said his organisation is focused on organic farming because of its multiple benefits to health, environment and the economy.

 

“Organic agriculture is not only safer for consumers; it also nourishes the soil and protects the ecosystem.

 

“It creates employment, especially for Nigerians and can improve household income.”

 

He noted that in spite of growing awareness about food safety, organic food remains largely inaccessible in many urban centres.

 

“We hardly find organic vegetables or foodstuff in Abuja markets, that is why we are working with our network to set up dedicated organic food markets across the FCT.

 

“Government support for organic farming is still very low. If we’re serious about improving food quality and boosting exports, we must invest in organic agriculture,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Mr Donald Ikenna, Lead Coordinator of the Alliance for Action on Pesticide in Nigeria, warned about the growing use of highly hazardous chemicals in the country’s food production system.

 

“More than 40 per cent of the chemicals used by farmers in Nigeria are classified as highly hazardous, this puts both farmers and consumers at serious risk.”

 

Ikenna said the widespread use of such chemicals has been linked to an increase in cancer, kidney failure and other chronic diseases.

 

“People are falling ill from what they eat and the economy is also suffering as we lose billions to rejected food exports.”

 

He stressed the need for a national shift to safer and science-backed alternatives, including biopesticides, organic fertilizers and agroecological practices.

 

He called on state governments and lawmakers to ensure constituency projects support organic farming initiatives at the grassroots.

 

“We have the local capacity to produce organic farm inputs in Nigeria. What we need is investment, training and strong political will.

 

“We must stop pumping money into harmful chemicals and start building systems that promote health, sustainability and long-term food security.”

 

NAN reports that organic and agroecological farming is gaining momentum globally as a safer, climate-friendly alternative to conventional agricultural practices.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Waivers, smuggling threaten Nigeria’s rice industry- Stakeholders
Agriculture , Food Security

Waivers, smuggling threaten Nigeria’s rice industry- Stakeholders

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By Akpan Glory

The Competitive African Rice Forum (CARF-FSD Nigeria) has expressed concern that policy inconsistencies, selective import duty waivers, and the unchecked smuggling of rice are threatening the viability of Nigeria’s rice industry.

The group, a coalition of rice farmers, millers, processors, marketers, NGOs and development partners, warned that over two decades of investments in the sector risk being eroded if urgent corrective measures are not taken.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the forum said Nigeria has built a domestic milling capacity of over 13 million metric tonnes, a figure sufficient to meet, and even exceed national demand.

It however said this capacity is reportedly underutilised due to the influx of imported and smuggled rice, which has flooded the market in recent months.

The group linked the downturn in the industry to a 180-day duty waiver granted by the Federal Government in July 2024, which included husked brown rice among essential food items.

Although the measure was introduced to address rising food prices and discourage hoarding, stakeholders say it has had unintended and damaging effects on local production.

According to CARF-FSD Nigeria, the waiver has led to a collapse in demand for paddy rice, leaving farmers with unsold harvests and forcing many rice mills to shut down or scale back operations.

This is due to their inability to compete with cheaper, subsidised imports.

The impact, it said, has been pronounced in key rice-producing states such as Kebbi, Kano, Ebonyi, Plateau, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Ekiti, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and Adamawa, where job losses across the value chain continue to mount.

“The rice value chain has been a major source of livelihood for millions of Nigerians, especially in rural communities.

“What we are seeing now is a systemic disruption that threatens not only employment but also national food security, “said Peter Dama, Chairman of CARF-FSD Nigeria’s Board of Trustees.

The Forum also raised alarm over the continued smuggling of substandard rice through Nigeria’s porous borders, saying it had made legitimate operators uncompetitive, compromised food safety, and emboldened criminal trade networks in border communities.

With general elections approaching in 2027, stakeholders warned that the collapse of the industry could have wider socio-economic consequences.

They pointed to rising rural-urban migration, growing youth disillusionment, and the risk of unrest in agricultural communities as potential flashpoints.

CARF-FSD Nigeria therefore called on the Federal Government to act swiftly to safeguard the sector and stabilise the market.

It urged an end to selective waivers on rice and related commodities, the designation of rice as a strategic crop, and the strengthening of customs operations to tackle smuggling at critical border points.

The group also recommended the establishment of a national rice buffer stock and offtake mechanism to regulate prices during harvest cycles.

Other measures proposed include improved access to irrigation, affordable farm inputs, mechanisation, and low-interest financing for farmers and processors.

In addition, the Forum called for a national campaign to promote Nigerian rice, with a focus on quality, traceability, and consumer confidence.

“The rice industry is not responsible for food inflation, It is one of the most scalable and inclusive solutions Nigeria has.

“If properly supported, it can reduce import dependency, generate employment, and anchor rural development”.

The forum reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting the government in efforts to build a rice-secure and economically resilient nation. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG targets irrigation to boost food security
Agriculture , Food Security

FG targets irrigation to boost food security

458 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food security in Nigeria through strategic support for farmers, improved irrigation systems, and climate resilience measures.

Speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced plans to commission 11 new projects in 2025.

According to him, these include dams, irrigation schemes, and water supply systems in Benue, Jigawa, and Yobe; key agricultural zones with high food production potential.

Utsev revealed that the ministry was implementing the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project, in collaboration with 20 states, to modernise dam and irrigation infrastructure and develop a national hydropower masterplan.

The states involved are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

The minister said the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), the ministry’s implementing agencies, had supported farmers with more than 154,000 hectares of irrigated land.

“In addition, tractors and harvesters have been distributed to enhance mechanised farming. As part of ongoing reforms, over 4,400 hectares of farmland have been leased to commercial farmers to expand food production,” he said.

He noted that investments in human capital were also underway, with the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) recently graduating more than 230 postgraduate students in Integrated Water Resources Management.

He added that more than 1,300 young people had been trained in technical fields such as pump installation and drilling technology.

Utsev said the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency had intensified early flood warning efforts in response to the impact of climate change on farming communities.

“More than 1,200 communities in 30 states have been identified as flood-prone in 2025. In response, the Nigerian National Flood Insurance Programme was launched in April to provide financial protection for vulnerable households and farmers.

“We are proactively addressing climate risks through science-based early warning systems and financial safety nets,” he stated.

The minister explained that the RBDAs were being partially commercialised to attract private sector participation, reclaim encroached farmlands, and improve sustainability and investment in the agriculture sector.


He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support and acknowledged the efforts of state governments, development partners, stakeholders, and the media.

“We remain committed to transforming Nigeria’s irrigation landscape, improving access to safe water, creating jobs, and reducing poverty,” he added.

Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that Nigeria’s inflation slowed to 2.06 per cent in April, down from 2.18 per cent in March, due to price drops in staple foods like maize flour, rice, and beans.

Idris attributed the progress to strategic government interventions in agriculture, transport, and essential services.

“While we are not yet where we want to be, these numbers give us hope. The tough decisions are starting to yield results,” he said.

Idris highlighted key investments in infrastructure, water, sanitation, and the creative economy, noting the Tinubu administration’s focused on restoring Nigeria’s global prominence.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to people-centred policies aimed at economic stability and called on the media to share the positive developments responsibly and patriotically.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the session was also attended by the Ministers of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and Works, Sen. David Umahi. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security
Agriculture , Food Security

River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security

655 total views today

By Akpan Glory

The River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have pledged to boost the Federal Government’s food security efforts by forming stronger partnerships and adopting modern agricultural technologies.

Alhaji Abubakar Malam, who spoke on behalf of the RBDA Boards and Management teams at the close of a two-day retreat in Abuja on Saturday, acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the authorities.

He noted the persistent issues of ageing infrastructure, extreme weather conditions, and insecurity that continue to hinder optimal productivity across their zones.

Malam, who is also the Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, noted the dilapidated state of facilities and outdated equipment that limit the full potential of the river basin authorities.

“Our facilities are obsolete, and climate change is exacerbating the situation with flooding, erosion, and erratic weather patterns.

“Yet, we remain undeterred. We are committed to innovating, adopting modern irrigation technologies, and shifting the narrative of the River Basins to a more sustainable and productive future”.

Malam emphasised that these objectives cannot be achieved in isolation and stressed the importance of collaboration.

He stated, “We are committed to building strong partnerships, particularly with state governments, to ensure that local actions are aligned with national priorities.

“Collaboration is key to enhancing extension services, addressing community needs, and improving project outcomes”.

The Managing Directors also assured stakeholders that the river basin authorities will continue to maintain open-door policies under the federal government’s partial commercialisation framework, which aims to encourage private sector investment.

This framework is seen as an essential step in reviving Nigeria’s agricultural sector by providing opportunities for agribusiness development, rural economy revitalisation, and sustainable irrigation practices.

“In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 13 (Climate Action), the RBDAs are focusing on expanding irrigated farmlands, equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques.

“Others are enhancing value chains to reduce food waste, boost production, and improve market access.

“These efforts are designed to increase food availability and contribute to the goal of achieving food security for the nation by 2027,” he added.

The Joint Appointees Forum further called on development partners, private sector players, and other stakeholders to seize the emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

The forum highlighted the potential for collaboration in revitalising rural economies through sustainable irrigation and agribusiness development, which will ultimately support the government’s food security agenda.

The retreat, which brought together the leadership of all twelve RBDAs, concluded with a renewed commitment to achieving tangible, measurable results. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NADF, Katsina govt partner on food system transformation, job creation
Agriculture , Food Security

NADF, Katsina govt partner on food system transformation, job creation

789 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and Katsina State Government have pledged to transform the country’s food system and create jobs for the populace.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Gov. Dikko Radda, to the Executive Secretary, NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, in Abuja.

Radda identified agriculture as the mainstay of the nation’s economy, which provides over 60 per cent of employment for the country’s populace.

He said that the country has no option but to invest in agriculture to position it better to be an export-dependent country, and not import-dependent, as well as be self-sufficient in food production.

“We have no reason to be hungry; we have no reason to be poor. If we can harvest all the potential we have, we will have a great nation, with great people, who will be able to move the nation forward,” he said.


The governor said his visit was to formally congratulate the NADF Executive Secretary on the appointment, as well as see how the state could leverage the fund to transform the food system for the benefit of its populace.

“I pray for this agency to be one of the leading agencies in the country, and also to seek partnership and collaboration with the sub-nationals, especially Katsina State, in transforming agriculture,” he said.

The governor said about 90 per cent of the state population was into agriculture and agricultural value chains, small and medium-scale enterprises from production to processing.

He, however, said that the best investment for any state, especially those in the northern part of the country, was investment in agriculture.

According to him, when one invests in agriculture, the person has invested in the vast majority of the people.

“When you construct a road, it will help in the transportation of agricultural produce, too.

“So, there is nothing we will do to support our people other than to support them in agricultural enterprises.

“But when you invest in agriculture, you are investing in about 90 per cent of your people who are living in abject poverty in the rural areas with no means of livelihood,” he said.

Radda said his administration in 2024 bought over 400,000 bags of fertiliser, which were distributed to every polling unit in the state, considering the impact of agriculture on the livelihood of the large population of the state.

He further said the state distributed solar-powered pumps to rural farmers to reduce the cost of production.

In his remarks, Ibrahim said part of the agency’s mandate was to work with sub-national governments in promoting agricultural development and food security.

According to him, the visit enabled the governor to essentially discuss what the state government was doing and to see how they could leverage its resources.

NADF has a mandate to promote sustainable development and food security by bridging the funding gap, facilitating farmers’ access to finance, and strengthening the agricultural ecosystem.

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Yakubu Uba

Youth, women vital to advancing irrigated agriculture in Africa – Experts
Agriculture , Food Security

Youth, women vital to advancing irrigated agriculture in Africa – Experts

623 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

Irrigation and water management experts have called for the inclusion of women and young professionals in advancing irrigated agriculture across Africa.

This call was a central theme at the 6th African Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID) Conference, which concluded with an award ceremony on Wednesday night in Abuja.

Mrs Oyeronke Oluniyi, Chairperson of the Nigerian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the conference stood out for its strong engagement with young professionals from six African countries.

“The level of participation, knowledge-sharing, and innovation brought by these young professionals was impressive.

“They are no longer just learners; they are ready to lead and drive meaningful change in irrigation development across the continent”.

According to Oluniyi, who is also the Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, a key highlight of the conference was a field visit to an irrigation site near Keffi, Nasarawa.

She described the visit as “a practical eye-opener” that provided real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities within irrigation practice.

She emphasised the importance of harnessing the creativity and energy of young people to promote sustainable agriculture in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These young minds are well-positioned to contribute to food security, effective water resource management, and increased agricultural productivity,” she said.

Oluniyi also pointed to a pre-conference youth forum, which provided a platform for delegates from various countries to collaborate, network, and exchange ideas.

Their engagement in the main sessions, she said, brought fresh perspectives to the discussions.

She added that it was inspiring to witness Nigerian youth engaging and forming connections with their peers from across the continent.

“The conference also featured a dedicated session on women’s participation in irrigated agriculture, aimed at empowering women and addressing barriers such as limited access to land and other essential resources.

“During the session, two female farmers; one from the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Project in Jigawa and another from the Kano River Irrigation Scheme in Zamfara, shared their personal stories of transformation and empowerment.

“Their journeys demonstrate that when women are supported, they not only thrive but also uplift others in their communities.

“In essence, our youth and women are not merely participants, but are agents of transformation. With the right support, they can help lead Nigeria and Africa towards a more food-secure and climate-resilient future, “Oluniyi said.

Also speaking at the event, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as a significant milestone for Africa.

He called for greater collaboration and networking to address shared challenges, including water scarcity and food insecurity.

“There are important lessons to take forward. From now on, we must strengthen cooperation and improve coordination to meet our development goals”.

Arcieri also commended the Nigerian National Committee for hosting the event with the backing of the Federal Government, including support from the Ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture, and the Presidency.

“This conference will leave a lasting impact, and ICID remains committed to supporting future progress,” he added.

Mr Inuwa Musa, Co-chair of the 6th ARCID Task Team noted that while advancements are being made, they must be accelerated to meet the demands of a growing population and the increasing impacts of climate change.

“To ensure food security, irrigation must be prioritised, we cannot break the cycle of poverty by farming for just four months a year. Sustainable, year-round food production depends on effective irrigation systems”.

Kuta, representing the Chairman of the African Regional Working Group, also stressed the importance of regional collaboration, particularly when it comes to managing shared water resources.

“Development does not happen in isolation. We must resolve conflicts over transboundary resources like the Niger Basin. There is enough water to meet our needs, though perhaps not our greed. We must learn to share wisely”.

Similarly, an Irrigation and Drainage Expert Mr Razaq Jimoh noted the urgency of scaling up action.

While acknowledging that Africa is on the right path, he warned that progress remains slow, especially given shifting rainfall patterns and other climate-related challenges.

Jimoh, a former Managing Director/CEO of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, reiterated the need for year-round food production.

“You cannot end poverty by farming for only a few months and surviving on that harvest for the rest of the year.

“The only viable solution is to produce food throughout the year, and that requires functional irrigation systems”.

He also called for an end to disputes over shared water resources, emphasising the need for equitable access and cooperation.

“Most conflicts in inter-basin and transboundary areas stem from unequal access, but there’s enough to meet our collective needs if we prioritise and collaborate”.

In his speech, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the need for partnerships and greater investment in irrigation to tackle climate change, population growth, and food insecurity.

Utsev commended the efforts of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), the African Regional Working Group, and all participating countries for their dedication to the conference’s goals.

He noted that their collaborative work would pave the way for developing actionable strategies in the irrigation and drainage sector for both Nigeria and the African continent.

Utsev was represented by Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, Director Reforms Coordination with the ministry.

He stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ensuring accessible water resources for farmers to foster prosperity across Africa.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders across the continent to promote inclusive participation, enhance irrigation infrastructure, and foster regional cooperation to strengthen Africa’s agricultural resilience.

NAN reports that several distinguished individuals were recognised at the award ceremony for their contributions to leadership and governance in the water and agriculture sectors. (NAN)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Stakeholders urge investment in fodder, grazing reserves
Agriculture , Food Security

Stakeholders urge investment in fodder, grazing reserves

665 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

Stakeholders in the livestock sector have urged increased investment in pasture development and the revitalisation of grazing reserves.

They said this is essential to ensure sufficient fodder for livestock and help resolve the ongoing farmer-herder crises nationwide.

The call was made on Tuesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ workshop convened to validate the draft National Animal Feed Policy Document.

Prof. Ari Maikano, President of the Nigerian Food and Fodder Multi-Sector Platform, spoke on the current state of fodder in the country.

He noted that a thorough assessment from the valley regions to the savannah zones reveals the presence of various types of pasture, shrubs, and fodder.

“These reflect our diverse agro-ecological zones. Nigeria is blessed with rich fodder resources that require further development.

“Some countries have sourced their fodder from Nigeria and integrated it into their national agricultural assets.

“Interestingly, we currently have a situation where some areas have abundant fodder production, while others have high utilisation rates.

“One of the strengths of the fodder sector is the potential for robust business-to-business relationships,” he added.

Maikano highlighted the importance of private sector funding in addressing the challenges faced by the livestock industry, emphasising that the sector cannot continue to rely solely on government support.

“It is essential that the sector attracts significant private sector investment. Encouragingly, we are beginning to see data-driven interventions, which are crucial for the growth and development of the sector.

“Historically, the focus has been on feed, but we are now recognising that fodder is a major constraint in Nigeria’s livestock-agriculture system, and it must be prioritised”.

The professor stressed the need for greater engagement with the fodder sector, describing it as central to resolving many of the country’s current security challenges.

He linked the recurring conflicts between farmers and herders to competition over feed resources.

Speaking at the workshop, Maikano said the objective was to appraise and validate the National Animal Feed Policy Document and harmonise ideas on key issues that should be reflected in the final policy.

He identified private sector participation as one of the core themes of the document that would benefit the sector.

Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, described the gathering as a significant step in stakeholders’ collective effort to reposition the livestock sector.

He identified the livestock sector as a vital contributor to national food security, rural livelihoods, and economic diversification.

The minister emphasised that animal feed and fodder form the backbone of any sustainable livestock production system.

He acknowledged that the sector continues to face major challenges, including inadequate feed and fodder supply, poor quality control, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited private sector engagement.

“These gaps have hampered productivity, profitability, and resilience across our livestock value chains,” he said.

“This policy document, which we are here to validate, offers a strategic and inclusive response to those challenges.

“It provides a comprehensive framework for enhancing feed and fodder production, attracting investment, supporting research and development, ensuring quality standards, and improving stakeholder coordination.

“A structured policy for feed and fodder across production, supply, market access, and investment is essential in driving the Ministry’s goal to double our national herd to 398.9 million heads,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

IWMI unveils strategy to boost water, agriculture innovation
Agriculture , Food Security

IWMI unveils strategy to boost water, agriculture innovation

648 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has introduced its 2024-2030 strategy to drive innovation in water management and agricultural practices in Nigeria.

This announcement was made at the sidelines of the Africa Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja on Monday.

IWMI Director General, Dr Mark Smith, presented practical, science-based solutions to Africa’s pressing water challenges.

“The IWMI Strategy 2024-2030 outlines an ambitious agenda for research and innovation in water security.

“It tackles current and future water management challenges, aiming to advance Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation.

“The strategy aligns with national and regional priorities and is backed by an action plan to boost partnerships, growth, and impact,” he said.

Smith noted that while Africa’s water challenges are vast, so too are the opportunities.

He emphasised the importance of focusing on practical, inclusive, and climate-smart solutions.

“At IWMI, we are working to restore watersheds, modernise irrigation, promote water reuse, and empower farmers with tools that enhance productivity and resilience,” he said.

Smith outlined four strategic pathways for agricultural transformation that align with the African Union’s vision: watershed restoration, improved irrigation system performance, water reuse, and farmer-led irrigation.

He listed examples of IWMI’s work, such as in Ethiopia’s Yeboa Watershed, where interventions like terracing and contour farming have greatly reduced soil erosion and improved groundwater recharge.

These efforts, he said, have expanded irrigable land fivefold, creating new agricultural and economic opportunities, particularly for young people.

“In Mali, IWMI collaborated with the Office du Niger to co-develop performance indicators for irrigation schemes.

“This data-driven approach has enabled targeted investments and smarter water management, leading to improved efficiency and increased yields.

“IWMI is also promoting the safe reuse of wastewater for agriculture, which reduces pressure on freshwater sources, improves soil fertility, and recovers valuable nutrients.

“Our work in promoting water reuse is not just about alleviating the strain on freshwater systems, but also enhancing agricultural sustainability and supporting a circular economy,” Smith noted.

Dr Funke Cofie, IWMI’s Africa Director for Research Impact, emphasised the institute’s broader commitment to sustainability and resilience.

“We generate knowledge and evidence-based solutions to improve water use, ranging from rain-fed systems to full irrigation.

“Our work focuses on environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, and preparing communities to manage risks like flooding”.

Cofie highlighted IWMI’s role in developing Nigeria’s flood early warning and anticipatory response system, known as the AWARE platform.

“Using satellite data, the platform helps predict flood events and supports timely, community-level action to mitigate impacts. This approach moves us from reactive disaster management to proactive planning

“We are here to catalyse change. Whether in the arid north or the south, we are committed to turning knowledge into tangible impact and delivering sustainable solutions across Nigeria,” she said.

She said that during the two-day conference, IWMI hosted five technical sessions on key themes such as digital innovations in water management, farmer-led irrigation, and the water-energy-food-environment nexus.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the institute also launched new training tools for irrigated rice production in Africa.

With its new office and strategy now in place, IWMI is set to deepen its engagement in Nigeria, working closely with public institutions, research organisations, and local communities to address region-specific water challenges.

NAN also reports that IWMI has opened its new office at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

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