FG urges African nations to deepen partnerships for food security

The federal government has called for stronger collaboration among African countries, research institutions, development partners and the private sector to accelerate agricultural transformation, strengthen food systems and improve food security across the continent.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, made the call on Thursday at the closing session of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Abuja.

Abdullahi urged stakeholders to move beyond commitments by building science-driven partnerships capable of delivering food security, climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development.

“The conversations that began here must not end here. The partnerships established in Abuja must mature into collaborative research, stronger institutions, increased investment and measurable impact in the lives of our farmers. Africa cannot afford fragmented efforts. Our future depends on collective action,” he said.

The minister said the four-day gathering demonstrated Africa’s determination to harness science, innovation and collaboration to transform its agrifood systems.

“Abuja has not merely hosted another conference; together, we have written another important chapter in the history of African agricultural transformation,” he added.

He stressed the need to sustain the momentum generated at the assembly by translating its resolutions into practical actions that would improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods across the continent.

Abdullahi described FARA as one of Africa’s leading institutions for agricultural research, commending its role in bringing together regional research organisations, national agricultural research systems, universities, CGIAR centres, farmer groups, the private sector and development partners to promote innovation and regional cooperation.