ARCN Calls for Innovation-Driven Transformation of Africa’s Food System

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has called for increased investment in agricultural research, innovation and strategic partnerships to transform Africa’s food systems, stressing that science-driven solutions are critical to tackling food insecurity, climate change, land degradation and other threats to sustainable agricultural development across the continent.

The Executive Secretary of ARCN, Prof. Dabban Adamu, made the call at the opening of the 9th African Agricultural Science Week (AASW) and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Abuja.

Adamu said Africa must leverage science, technology and innovation to address food insecurity, climate change and other challenges limiting agricultural productivity and economic growth.

He described the gathering as a landmark continental platform bringing together policymakers, scientists, researchers, development partners, private sector leaders, farmers, women and youth to chart a new course for agricultural transformation across Africa.

According to him, the conference aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which places agriculture, food security and economic growth at the centre of Nigeria’s development priorities.

He said sustained investment in agricultural research, innovation and technology would strengthen food and nutrition security, improve productivity, create jobs and enhance the livelihoods of millions of Africans.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Innovation and Partnership for a Resilient Sustainable Agri-Food System in Africa,” Adamu said it reflects the urgent need for collaborative action to address climate change, land degradation, limited access to technology and changing market demands.
He stressed that overcoming these challenges requires stronger partnerships, scientific excellence and innovative solutions that place farmers and local communities at the centre of Africa’s agricultural transformation.
The ARCN boss reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting research that supports sustainable agricultural development through its network of research institutes, universities, government agencies and collaborations with development partners and the private sector.
He noted that the week-long event offers participants opportunities to exchange knowledge, showcase cutting-edge technologies, strengthen partnerships and develop practical solutions capable of improving the resilience of Africa’s agri-food systems.
Adamu also commended FARA, the Federal Government, development partners, sponsors, members of the local organising committee and volunteers for their contributions to the successful hosting of the conference.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, urged African countries to move beyond merely adopting agricultural technologies to becoming leaders in developing home-grown innovations.
“Knowledge has become the most valuable agricultural resource of the twenty-first century. Our ability to harness this knowledge through science, technology and innovation will determine whether we achieve the agricultural transformation we all seek. Africa must move beyond technology consumption to technology generation,” he said.
Kyari outlined ongoing Federal Government reforms aimed at transforming the agricultural sector, including investments in irrigation, mechanisation, digital agriculture, agro-industrialisation and agricultural financing.

He added that the future of African agriculture would be driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite technology, biotechnology, digital platforms and data science, urging researchers and policymakers to harness these innovations to build resilient and sustainable food systems across the continent.

The 9th African Agricultural Science Week and the 10th FARA General Assembly attracted stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on practical strategies for building inclusive, productive and sustainable agri-food systems.