Agroecology Summit: ARCN Pushes Climate-Smart Farming
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Agroecology Summit: ARCN Pushes Climate-Smart Farming
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has said Nigeria’s ability to secure its food future will depend on sustained investment in innovation, research and climate-smart agricultural practices.
The Executive Secretary of the council, Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, stated this on Monday at the opening of the National Summit on Agroecology and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Lagos.
The two-day meeting is organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria and brings together policymakers, researchers, development partners and private-sector actors to deliberate on climate-resilient farming and sustainable food systems.
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Dr Dabban said ARCN remains committed to driving agricultural transformation through research and farmer-centred innovations, stressing that Nigeria has the natural advantage to lead in climate-smart agriculture if its resources are properly harnessed.
He said Nigeria’s fertile land, favourable agro-ecological conditions, expanding industrial base and resilient farming population place the country in a strong position to build a sustainable agricultural economy.
“The ARCN is particularly encouraged by the collaborative spirit that brings us together for this summit,” he said.
He explained that the council coordinates and supervises 16 agricultural research institutes and 17 federal colleges of agriculture across the country, all of which are mandated to conduct research and train manpower for crop, livestock and fisheries development.
Dr Dabban noted that the summit will help validate the National Strategy on Agroecology, which focuses on sustainable natural resource management, farmers’ transition to climate-smart practices and strengthening market systems.
He described the forum as an important platform for sharing experiences and developing new ideas that will support Nigeria’s quest for a more food-secure future.
He added that ARCN stands ready to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to strengthen scientific support and drive transformation across the agricultural value chain.
“I am confident that the outcomes of this summit will set a new direction for sustainable growth and prosperity for agroecology, public-private partnership and the Nigerian economy at large,” he said.
Stakeholders at the event urged government and partners to scale up research-backed, inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural practices to tackle the growing threats posed by climate change.
