The African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) have jointly launched a groundbreaking report that highlights how climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria can drive sustainable food security and resilience across the country’s northern regions.
A Roadmap for Agricultural Recovery and Resilience
Presented during the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, the report — “Investing in Innovative Food Systems Solutions in Challenging Contexts” — provides a strategic framework for rebuilding livelihoods and restoring stability in conflict-affected zones. It outlines key policy and investment priorities to strengthen food systems, promote long-term resilience, and empower rural farmers through climate-smart farming techniques.
Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, emphasized that private-sector investment and long-term consistency are essential to fixing agricultural value chains and combating poverty in northern Nigeria. Similarly, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, highlighted that new infrastructure plans will bring silos closer to small farming communities to improve food storage and reduce losses.
Climate-Smart Solutions for Sustainable Growth
The report underscores the importance of adopting climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria to rebuild productivity while addressing environmental challenges. Through AfDB’s ongoing initiatives, including the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) and the National Agriculture Growth Scheme (NAGS), nearly $900 million is being invested in value addition, modern farming practices, and improved market access.
Abdul Kamara, AfDB’s Director General for Nigeria, stated, “Reviving agriculture in northern Nigeria is central to achieving food sovereignty. By strengthening value chains and mobilizing private capital, we can create sustainable jobs, empower youth, and ensure long-term stability.”
Leveraging Digital Solutions for Agricultural Logistics
The report identifies eight strategic crops — sorghum, millet, maize, wheat, cowpeas, soybeans, groundnuts, and tomatoes — as key entry points for investment. It maps production clusters, trade routes, and logistics challenges while recommending digital solutions for agricultural logistics to reduce costs and enhance efficiency across value chains.
Dr. Steven Were Omamo, IFPRI’s Executive Director, explained that data-driven policymaking is crucial: “By grounding investments in evidence, we can build smarter, more resilient food systems.”
Building a Food-Secure Future
David Stevenson, WFP Nigeria Country Director, stressed that rebuilding the nation’s breadbasket “requires bold investments rooted in peace, resilience, and innovation — not just short-term aid.” The study calls for stronger public–private partnerships and increased adoption of climate-smart farming techniques to help communities transition from crisis management to long-term agricultural transformation.
The partners urged stakeholders to use the report as a blueprint for directing financing and research toward a food-secure, inclusive, and sustainable northern Nigeria built on climate-smart agriculture and efficient digital solutions for agricultural logistics.
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This story was first reported by APO Group. Read the full article here.
