Nigeria has showcased its transformational efforts in food systems through innovation and partnerships.
Highlighting this growth during a high-level side event at the UN Food Systems Summit +4 (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ms. Dede Ekoue, Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Nigeria, said that despite challenges, opportunities exist through innovation and collaboration.
Speaking at the side event titled “Catalyzing Change: Showcasing Nigeria’s Innovations and Collaborations in Food Systems Transformation”, she delivered a keynote address on behalf of IFAD, FAO, WFP, UNICEF, and other UN agencies working in Nigeria.
Ms. Ekoue thanked the Federal Government of Nigeria for leading efforts in food systems transformation and for involving the United Nations in organizing the event.
She also acknowledged the Government of Ethiopia and the UNFSS+4 organizers for hosting the summit at a time she described as critical for global reflection and action.
She noted that, following the UNFSS+2 in 2023, the United Nations supported Nigeria in launching new initiatives aligned with national priorities and the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP).
“We would like to thank the Federal Government of Nigeria for associating the UN to this event and congratulate the Government for the initiative of this high-level event.
“We also extend our appreciation to the national food system convenor for the quality of the preparation of this event .
“We thank the Government of Ethiopia and the organizers of the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS+4) for convening at this critical moment, a global reflection for accelerating transforming food systems for people and the planet.We gather today at a time of compounding challenges but also unprecedented opportunity.
According to her, IFAD and FAO, in partnership with the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), and European Union, are supporting digital innovation in agriculture.
She stated that IFAD is leading policy dialogue around digitalization and is working with the government on the development of a National Digital Farmers Registry (NDFR), as well as scaling up digital tools across all IFAD-supported projects under the Nigeria-IFAD Digital Innovation Action Plan (DIAP).
She said these efforts aim to improve targeting, increase access to market and climate information, expand extension services, and improve financial services for farmers.
In this context, amidst these disruptions, there is hope through innovation and partnership.
“In line with the national priorities of Nigeria and leveraging the leadership of the Nigeria Government for transformation food systems, the United Nations supported the Government of Nigeria in initiating several innovations and transformative partnerships as a follow up to the UNFSS+2 in July 2023.
“In line with the National Agricultural Technology And Innovation Policy (NATIP), IFAD and FAO in collaboration with the World Bank and AFDB and European Union are supporting the government in digital innovation for agriculture.
In this process, IFAD is championing policy dialogue on digitalization of agriculture including on mobilizing key actors for the development of a government-led National Digital Farmers Registry (NDFR) and scaling up the use of digital innovation in all FGN-IFAD projects in line with Nigeria-IFAD Digital Innovation Action Plan (DIAP).
Ms. Ekoue also highlighted that an initiative in northern Nigeria where WFP, AfDB, and IFPRI and the approved FGN/IFAD/AFD Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN) aim to improve resilience of food systems in fragile areas.
She stated that these programs are designed to support the transition from food assistance into a foundation for local production, value addition, access to markets, procurement and investments.
She further noted the approval of the UN Joint Programme on Agri-Food System Transformation and Innovation in Nigeria (AFTI), implemented by FAO, IFAD, WFP, and UNICEF under the coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator.
The programme aims to strengthen governance, increase smallholder production and income, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve nutrition knowledge among women, children, and farmers.
Ms. Ekoue said that the AFTI Programme is focused on building strong partnerships with the private sector and development actors to support scale-up.
She added that under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), IFAD, AfDB, and the Islamic Development Bank are supporting the Nigerian government to promote inclusive agro-industrialization.
In Kano State, the SAPZ initiative is helping farmers link with agro-industries through structured agreements. She noted that the program also supports climate-smart practices, reduces post-harvest losses, and promotes youth and women entrepreneurship.
Ms. Ekoue called for increased investment in food systems innovation through broader partnerships, blended finance, and support for private sector participation.
She stated that the UN will continue to work with Nigeria and other stakeholders to strengthen food systems and empower farmers, youth, and women, especially in fragile settings.
The CD said the progress seen in Nigeria demonstrates that food systems transformation in Africa is achievable through collective effort and sustained collaboration.
