Agricultural experts, policymakers, farmers and other stakeholders have called for renewed attention to indigenous crops and stronger farmer engagement as part of efforts to build climate-resilient agriculture in Nigeria.
The call was made during a two-day event comprising a Farmer–Scientist Engagement Programme and a Policymakers/Stakeholders Summit held at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike in Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
The events were co-convened by Dr. Carol Ibe of University of Cambridge and the Agri Impact and Innovation Project (AGRIIP), alongside Prof. Olayinka Nwachukwu of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike. They formed part of the project titled “Building Nigeria’s Capacity for Climate Resilience in Agriculture through Molecular Biotechnology.”
The programme was funded by the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund.
The engagement brought together researchers, farmers, academics and other stakeholders to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural system in the face of climate change.
Declaring the summit open, the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, reiterated the institution’s commitment to advancing research that supports climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems in Nigeria.
She noted that the university would continue to promote innovations aimed at improving agricultural productivity, strengthening indigenous crop systems and addressing the challenges posed by climate change to farmers and the nation’s food supply. Akanwa also expressed appreciation to the programme partners for bringing the initiative to the university, describing it as a timely collaboration aligned with the institution’s mandate to promote agricultural development and enhance food security.
In a keynote address titled “Climate Change and its Impact on Nigerian Agriculture,” Professor of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Sylvester N. Ibe, highlighted the growing threat climate change poses to food systems and human survival.
He explained that climate resilience involves preparing for climate impacts and strengthening the capacity of communities and institutions to recover from environmental shocks such as prolonged droughts and extreme weather conditions.
Prof. Ibe noted that despite progress recorded under the United Nations-backed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigeria’s agricultural sector continues to face serious challenges, including insecurity, high cost of farm inputs and inadequate infrastructure.
Also at the summit, a lead paper titled “Beyond Rhetoric: FGM Building Climate Resilience in Nigeria” was delivered by Dr. Kingsley C. Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Innovation. In his presentation, Uzoma outlined several initiatives and interventions of the Federal Government aimed at educating the public through various agencies while advancing mitigation strategies and climate-related agricultural programmes.
In her remarks, the Project Lead (Nigeria), Prof. Olayinka I. Nwachukwu, said the stakeholders’ engagement represents an important step toward strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to respond to climate change through science, innovation and collaboration.
The Professor of Soil Science explained that the initiative, part of AGRIIP’s programme, is designed to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical farming by equipping farmers with knowledge on climate-resilient agriculture. She stressed that stronger collaboration among farmers, scientists, policymakers and other stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem would play a critical role in co-creating sustainable and climate-smart agricultural solutions for Nigeria and the wider African continent.
Also speaking, the founder of the JR Biotek Foundation, Dr. Carol Ibe, underscored the importance of revitalising indigenous crop systems as part of efforts to build climate-resilient agriculture.
The University of Cambridge researcher lamented that many traditional African crops central to local livelihoods and cultural heritage are gradually disappearing due to limited research investment and policy attention.
Dr. Ibe noted that Africa currently imports about 75 billion dollars’ worth of food annually, despite possessing numerous indigenous crops that are naturally resilient to drought and well adapted to local ecosystems.
She cited crops such as akidi (Bambara beans), cocoyam, three-leaf yam and ukpo as examples of indigenous food resources requiring greater research support and value addition.
According to her, promoting these crops would not only strengthen food security but also help preserve cultural heritage and reduce dependence on food imports.
Meanwhile, the Project Co-Lead (Nigeria), George Ikwuakolam Okoro, said the initiative aims to strengthen resilient agricultural systems through innovation, strategic research partnerships and support for farmers.
He noted that the programme would enhance sustainable farming practices while improving farmers’ livelihoods and contributing to a more secure food future for Nigeria and the African continent.
A nutritionist, Kelechi Oluchi Ikpe, said her participation focused on assessing farmers’ nutritional status and providing guidance on healthier dietary practices to support their wellbeing and productivity.
“We are collaborating with the organisers to evaluate farmers’ nutritional conditions and provide appropriate guidance to ensure they are feeding well and maintaining good health,” she said.
Mr. Chimaobi Ifeanyi, a farmer, commended the organisers, noting that the training provided insights into climate change and practical strategies for improving farming practices.
Another participant, Mrs. Veronica Nnanna, also expressed appreciation to the organisers, stating that the knowledge gained would help enhance her farming activities.
Panelists were drawn from academia, research institutes, the Abia Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), the private sector, as well as state and federal government institutions in the agricultural sector, alongside a successful private farmer from Ikwuano.
Some farmers who participated in the programme described it as timely and beneficial.
The event also featured mentorship initiatives for young scientists and farmers, including the JR Biotek Foundation and AGRIIP Innovation Fellowship, aimed at strengthening research and innovation in African agriculture.
Participants agreed that sustained collaboration among scientists, farmers, universities and development partners is essential for building a resilient agricultural system capable of addressing climate challenges while safeguarding Nigeria’s food security and cultural heritage.
