Africa’s ability to feed its rapidly growing population will depend largely on how governments, investors and development partners respond to the continent’s agricultural challenges, according to the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria.
The council has called for stronger investment in agricultural research, modern technology and innovation, saying these are the building blocks needed to transform Africa’s food systems into engines of economic growth, food security and job creation.
Speaking during a high-level engagement with stakeholders, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Professor Abubakar Adamu Dabban, stressed that Africa possesses enormous agricultural potential but continues to struggle with low productivity, climate-related disruptions, inadequate financing and weak access to technology. He said these obstacles can only be overcome through deliberate investment in science-driven solutions and stronger collaboration across the continent.
According to him, Africa is home to vast agricultural resources, including more than 60 per cent of the world’s uncultivated arable land. Yet millions of people across the continent continue to experience hunger and poor nutrition because the sector has not received the level of innovation and investment needed to unlock its full potential.
Dabban explained that agriculture must move beyond traditional farming methods if African countries hope to compete globally. He said scientific research, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and climate-smart farming practices should become central to agricultural development strategies.
He noted that modern technologies can help farmers make better decisions by improving weather forecasting, detecting crop diseases early, managing water and fertiliser more efficiently and reducing losses after harvest. These innovations, he said, will not only increase productivity but also improve farmers’ incomes while making food production more sustainable.
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Investment and Partnerships Seen as Keys to Agricultural Growth
The ARCN boss urged governments across Africa to increase public funding for agricultural research institutions while encouraging private investors to see agriculture as a sector with enormous economic opportunities.
He argued that research institutions cannot deliver meaningful innovations without adequate funding, skilled researchers and modern laboratories. Likewise, farmers cannot benefit from scientific discoveries unless there are effective systems for transferring knowledge and technology from research centres to farming communities.
Dabban also called for greater collaboration between governments, universities, research institutes, development organisations and the private sector. According to him, partnerships remain one of the fastest ways to accelerate innovation, improve food production and strengthen resilience against climate change.
He encouraged African countries to invest in digital infrastructure that supports agriculture, including broadband connectivity in rural communities, satellite technologies, digital advisory platforms and farm information systems. These investments, he said, would allow farmers to receive timely information that improves productivity and reduces risks associated with unpredictable weather conditions.
He further emphasised the importance of preserving Africa’s biodiversity and strengthening gene banks to ensure future generations have access to improved crop varieties capable of withstanding climate change and emerging pests.
His remarks align with growing calls across Africa for agriculture to become more knowledge-driven, with innovation playing a greater role in improving food production and supporting rural livelihoods. Recent discussions involving governments and international organisations have also highlighted the need to integrate research, technology and investment into national agricultural policies.
Back Story
Calls for increased investment in agricultural innovation come at a time when many African countries are working to reshape their food systems in response to rising food prices, population growth and the effects of climate change.
Nigeria and several other African nations are implementing strategies under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, which seeks to build more resilient and productive food systems over the coming decade. Governments are increasingly recognising that agriculture must move beyond food production alone to become a driver of industrialisation, employment and economic development.
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria has consistently advocated greater use of science, artificial intelligence and modern research to improve farming across Sub-Saharan Africa. Earlier this year, the council also urged governments and development partners to expand investments in digital agriculture, artificial intelligence and climate-smart technologies as part of efforts to improve food security across the continent.
International organisations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization, have similarly maintained that stronger partnerships, innovation and targeted investments are essential for transforming Africa’s agrifood systems. They argue that scaling proven technologies and improving collaboration between researchers, policymakers, investors and farmers will be critical to achieving sustainable food production and reducing dependence on food imports.
Africa’s Food Future Depends on Bold Action
Experts believe Africa has the resources needed to become a global agricultural powerhouse, but only if governments and investors commit to long-term reforms that prioritise innovation, research and infrastructure.
For millions of smallholder farmers across the continent, access to better technology, improved seeds, quality extension services and reliable market information could significantly increase productivity and incomes. At the same time, stronger investment in research institutions would help develop locally adapted solutions that respond to Africa’s unique agricultural and climate challenges.
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria believes the continent is standing at an important turning point. With coordinated action, stronger partnerships and sustained investment in innovation, Africa can build food systems that not only feed its growing population but also create jobs, strengthen economies and improve livelihoods for generations to come.
