Youth agripreneurship key to transforming Nigeria’s agri-food system, says Kyari

By Kunle Sanni –

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has reiterated that empowering young agripreneurs is essential to transforming the country’s agri-food systems, strengthening food security, and building a resilient agricultural economy.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at a high-level event on Scaling Up Youth Agripreneurship for Food Systems Transformation under the FGN/NDDC/IFAD LIFE-ND project, Kyari emphasized that Nigeria’s agricultural future rests on innovation-driven young people who are already reshaping the sector.

According to the Minister, youths across the country are pioneering advancements in precision agriculture, artificial intelligence tools for farming, soilless cultivation, digital financing platforms, e-marketplaces, and agro-processing.

He noted that their creativity and determination position them as key actors capable of building a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive food system.

Kyari explained that the federal government, in collaboration with civil society, the private sector, and development partners, has already demonstrated a “proof of concept” through youth-led agripreneurship pilots, agribusiness incubation programmes, and digital platforms connecting farmers to markets and financial services.

He outlined several measures the government plans to scale up nationwide, including opening up land and productive resources for young farmers, improving access to inclusive financing and credit guarantees, expanding mentorship and business development services, and strengthening digital market systems.

The Minister also highlighted the need for strong support pillars such as a youth-friendly land tenure assistance programme, innovative blended-finance mechanisms, virtual incubation hubs, real-time market intelligence platforms, and climate adaptation frameworks integrated into youth-focused agricultural programmes.