Food Security: Hope rises as NADF, ARCN begin review of agric research system

For the first time in over 25 years, Nigeria’s agricultural research sector is receiving renewed attention, marking a critical step toward reversing low crop yields and poor livestock production. The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has initiated a Baseline Survey and Needs Assessment of Agricultural Research Institutes and Federal Colleges of Agriculture, setting the stage for reforms aimed at strengthening food security and reducing import dependency.

This move aligns with the Tinubu administration’s agricultural reform strategy, which began with renaming the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. According to Professor Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), the government’s renewed commitment is finally addressing the long-standing gap in Nigeria’s research system, which is crucial for developing high-yield seeds, improving livestock production, and supporting sustainable farming practices.

Key Reform Strategies and Expected Impact

• Revitalizing Seed Production & Input Supply
  – The government’s focus is on ensuring the availability of early-generation seeds, such as foundation and breeder seeds, which will be distributed to farmers over the next one to two years.
  – The National Agricultural Seed Planning Initiative, led by ARCN and the National Agricultural Seed Council, is a major step toward increasing seed viability and agricultural output.
• Strengthening Research Institutes & Colleges of Agriculture
  – The survey and needs assessment covered 16 agricultural research institutes and 17 federal colleges of agriculture, identifying strengths, gaps, and constraints.
  – NADF is prioritizing infrastructure rehabilitation, mechanization, and digital adoption, ensuring that modern agricultural technologies like drones, precision farming, and AI-driven research are integrated into Nigeria’s agribusiness ecosystem.
• Mobilizing Public and Private Sector Investments
  – The administration aims to leverage public funds to attract private sector investments, creating sustainable financing models for research institutions.
  – Market linkages will be strengthened to ensure research outputs are commercialized and effectively reach agribusiness stakeholders.
• Providing Essential Infrastructure for Research & Development
  – NADF has entered into an MoU with a leading African power company to provide constant, renewable energy to research institutions.
  – Discussions are ongoing with internet service providers to enable digital transformation in agricultural research.
  Source- Tribune

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The revival of Nigeria’s agricultural research system has significant implications for the entire agri-food value chain, from farmers to agribusiness investors, policymakers, and food processors.

1. Impact on Food Security & Productivity
   – High-yield, climate-resilient seed varieties will become more accessible, reducing farmers’ reliance on imported seeds and boosting domestic food production.
   – Enhanced livestock research will improve breeding programs, ensuring better animal health and increased meat and dairy production.
2. Strengthening Agri-Tech & Mechanization
   – The integration of digital agriculture tools, AI-driven research, and drone technology will accelerate mechanization.
   – Research institutes will produce scientific solutions tailored to Nigeria’s climate and soil conditions, helping smallholder farmers transition to more efficient farming practices.
3. Market Linkages & Agribusiness Opportunities
   – Strengthened research outputs will encourage commercialization of innovations, creating new opportunities for agribusiness investors.
   – The government’s emphasis on market-driven research will attract value chain players, including agro-processors, seed companies, and financial institutions.
4. Private Sector Collaboration & Investment
   – With research institutes becoming more commercially viable, private sector funding will play a key role in sustaining innovations.
   – The push for energy and internet infrastructure will enable Nigeria’s agricultural research sector to align with global best practices in agribusiness innovation.

A Step Toward a Self-Sufficient Agri-Food System
While the reform is long overdue, the government’s current approach to revitalizing agricultural research institutes could serve as a turning point for Nigeria’s food security and agribusiness competitiveness. However, effective implementation, sustained funding, and public-private partnerships will be critical to ensuring long-term impact.