The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Food Security, Barrister Yejide Ogundipe, has underscored the critical role of research institutes and Colleges of Agriculture in enhancing food production and ensuring food security in Nigeria.
Speaking at the quarterly meeting of the provosts of national committees of agricultural research institutes, Barrister Ogundipe stressed that achieving food security requires a multi-sectoral approach, with academia playing a pivotal role.
“The role of research institutes and Colleges of Agriculture cannot be overstated, as knowledge remains a key driver of agricultural productivity.
Globally, academic institutions are instrumental in advancing research, technology, and best practices that transform the agricultural sector,” she said.
Highlighting climate change as a major threat to food security in sub-Saharan Africa, she noted that Nigeria faces severe challenges, including desertification in the North and persistent flooding in the South. She emphasized the need for research institutes to develop climate-resilient crop varieties to mitigate these challenges.
Barrister Ogundipe also stressed the importance of training extension workers to educate farmers on modern farming techniques that can increase yield per hectare.
She urged agricultural education institutions to expand their focus beyond food production by incorporating post-harvest management solutions to reduce food losses and improve food availability.
Addressing the dominance of subsistence farming in Nigeria, she called for efforts to attract young people to agriculture. She emphasized that Colleges of Agriculture and research institutes must foster agripreneurship by equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to establish successful agricultural enterprises.
This, she said, requires revamping curricula to include modern agricultural methods such as greenhouse farming, hydroponics, and precision agriculture.
Furthermore, she pointed out that academic institutions possess vast tracts of unused land that could be repurposed for food production and processing hubs.
Engaging undergraduates and local youth in farming, she noted, would not only contribute to food security but also cultivate a new generation of skilled agricultural practitioners.
“Agricultural institutions must transition from theoretical teaching to practical engagement by actively participating in farming for food production,” she added.
