FG Seeks Stronger Investment in Science to Boost Food Security

The Federal Government has called on African nations to increase investment in science, research and innovation to strengthen food security and accelerate agricultural development.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the call at the opening of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA).

Kyari said Africa must move beyond relying on agricultural technologies developed abroad and become a leader in generating solutions tailored to its own needs.

He noted that natural resources alone cannot guarantee prosperity without sustained investment in knowledge and innovation.

According to him, the Federal Government is expanding irrigation, promoting mechanised farming, improving access to quality farm inputs and supporting digital agriculture as part of efforts to increase food production.

The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural research institutions, universities and extension services, stressing that science remains central to successful agricultural transformation.

Also speaking, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, said livestock production is vital to economic growth, food security and rural livelihoods across Africa.

Maiha lamented that despite the continent’s large livestock population, many African countries still depend heavily on imported animal protein.

He said Nigeria is implementing reforms through the National Livestock Master Plan and the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy to modernise the sector.

He added that the government aims to grow the livestock industry from $32bn to $74bn within three years and called for greater investment in research, improved breeding technologies and stronger disease-control systems to support the sector’s growth.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

koikimedia Bringing the World 🌏 Closer to Your Doorstep