AU collaborates with FG to revitalize agriculture, boost food production.
The African Union (AU) is collaborating with the Nigerian government to transform agriculture across the continent through the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) initiative.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, who stated this on Monday at the validation workshop of the 2022 – 2024 Agricultural Joint Sector Review Report and the 3rd National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan 2025 – 2027 in Abuja, explained that the program aims to achieve food security, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth by boosting agricultural productivity and increasing public investment in the sector.
Ogunbiyi said the program's primary focus is to transform African agriculture, with a commitment to a 6% growth rate and 10% budget allocation to agriculture, noting that Nigeria has committed substantial investments in the agricultural sector, including the launch of Special Agro-Processing Zones in Kaduna, Cross Rivers, and Oyo states, to increase production, enhance commodity value chains, and create jobs.
Stakeholders at the workshop, including ActionAid Nigeria, expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of inclusive agricultural development and ensuring policies respond to the needs of smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth.
The validation workshop aims to evaluate Nigeria's performance in achieving CAADP parameters and chart a path forward for the country's Agri-Food System.
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