Nigeria’s Agritourism initiative set to drive economic development

“On May 16, 2024, Nigeria celebrated its inaugural Agritourism Day to boost the agricultural sector, with a theme of “Food Security for All.” Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, emphasized that agritourism could revolutionize agriculture, promote industrialization, and attract investments. The event, held at the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria in Abuja, featured farm tours, festivals, and educational programs. The federal government plans to establish a national committee to further develop agritourism, aiming to increase farmer incomes and enhance tourism. Key figures, including Trust Ogboi and David Stevenson, expressed strong support for the initiative. Source: BusinessDay

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Nigeria’s inaugural Agritourism celebration marks a significant step towards revitalizing the agricultural sector. By integrating tourism with agriculture, the initiative aims to boost industrialization, job creation, and growth in the non-oil sector. The event’s theme, “Food Security for All,” underscores its focus on achieving food and nutrition security while attracting both local and foreign investment.
Activities like farm tours, festivals, and educational programs offer visitors insights into agricultural practices, fostering a deeper connection with the agricultural landscape. This not only provides farmers with additional income but also enhances direct marketing opportunities. The initiative is expected to increase tourism, prolong visitors’ stays, and boost local economies.
The establishment of a national committee to promote agritourism highlights the federal government’s commitment to developing a sustainable agribusiness ecosystem. The framework and guidelines set by this committee will ensure the sector’s growth and integration into the broader economy.
Support from organizations like the World Agritourism Organization and the World Food Programme indicates strong backing for agritourism’s potential to generate foreign exchange and enhance food production. This celebration sets the stage for future developments in Nigeria’s agritourism and agricultural sectors.