President Tinubu Urges Demand-Driven Solutions
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has vehemently criticized the prevalence of research driven solely by promotional motives, emphasizing the imperative of tangible impact on Nigeria’s food security.
At the 6th Africa-Wide Agricultural Extension Week in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, lamented the storage of research outcomes without addressing farmers’ needs.
He deplored the disconnect between researchers and farmers, condemning the pursuit of promotions over practical technological advancements aligned with agricultural demands.
Tinubu underscored the urgency for demand-driven agricultural research, advocating for technologies that resonate with the needs of farmers and stakeholders along the food productivity value chains.
He decried the prevailing scenario where research efforts prioritize bureaucratic recognition over practical solutions for the agricultural sector’s challenges.
Emphasizing the necessity for research initiatives to align with market demands, he urged a shift towards demand-driven agricultural innovation.
Highlighting the need to transition from subsistence farming, Tinubu outlined the government’s efforts, including the National Agriculture Growth Scheme (Agro-pocket), aimed at supporting millions of farmers with essential training, improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation equipment at subsidized rates.
He stressed the significance of market-oriented agricultural practices to foster sustainability and productivity in the sector.
The President highlighted the government’s initiative in crafting the first-ever harmonised Extension Manual, a crucial step towards disseminating agricultural innovations effectively.
He emphasized the manual’s role in facilitating the widespread adoption of agricultural technologies for sustainable food production.
During the event, stakeholders echoed Tinubu’s sentiments, advocating for demand-driven research tailored to the needs of various agriculture value chains.
Commissioner Johnson Ebokpo Jnr. from Cross River supported the imperative of research aligned with stakeholders’ demands, fostering a deeper understanding of technologies essential for Nigeria’s food productivity and sustainability.
Professor Grace Adebo emphasized the necessity of cohesive efforts among stakeholders towards food security.
She underscored the need for inclusive research engagements with local content and community farmer participation to achieve a unified purpose.
Additionally, Mr. Rex Chapota highlighted the potential of digital applications in agriculture, aiming to reach a wider farming community.
He stressed the importance of gender-balanced participation and leveraging digital platforms to enhance agricultural extension and research.
In order to ensure that research findings are in line with the urgent needs of Nigeria’s agricultural environment and promote sustainable, market-driven methods that are crucial for food security, Tinubu has called for demand-driven agricultural research.
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