The German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) has called for stronger institutional capacity to embed agricultural innovations in Nigeria’s education, training and extension systems, warning that lasting transformation requires more than increased farm productivity.
Alexis Brakhan, Project Manager of GIZ’s Global Programme on Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Policies (AgSys), made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the close-out workshop of the Strengthening Institutional Frameworks for Transformative Agricultural Systems (SIFTAS) project.
Implemented by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) with funding from GIZ, the project aims to integrate transformative agricultural innovations into Nigeria’s agricultural education, training and extension systems.
Brakhan said the collaboration was undertaken under AgSys, a programme commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
He described the transformation of agricultural and food systems as a strategic priority of BMZ, noting that food insecurity, climate change and environmental degradation required broader interventions beyond increasing agricultural output.
“BMZ promotes a transformation towards agricultural and food systems that are more sustainable, climate-resilient, inclusive and environmentally responsible.
“An important element is investing in knowledge, education and training, strengthening capacities and creating conditions for innovations to be sustained and scaled up.
“Through AgSys, GIZ supports sustainable agricultural policies, builds capacities and promotes innovations for long-term transformation.
“In Nigeria, one of our priorities is to ensure that agricultural innovations become embedded within existing systems for long-term dissemination,” he said.
He explained that the partnership with SAA focused on incorporating sustainable agricultural practices into existing institutional structures to ensure their continued adoption and wider reach.
As part of the intervention, SAA supported the development of crop-specific agroforestry curricula and training materials for cassava, potato and rice, working with universities, agricultural colleges, research institutions and government stakeholders.
The project also strengthened the capacity of relevant personnel to deliver the innovations and incorporated complementary agricultural practices into existing teaching, training and extension programmes.
“What makes this collaboration so important is its focus on institutions,” Brakhan said.
He described the close-out workshop as an opportunity to assess the project’s progress, share lessons and reaffirm commitments to preserving its achievements beyond the period of direct implementation.
According to him, preparations for the next phase include a post-project Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Transition Framework and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
“The framework provides a basis for participating institutions to continue monitoring progress, documenting results and facilitating learning beyond direct project support,” he said.
Brakhan commended SAA for its leadership and commitment, while acknowledging the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders involved in the project.
