By Media360Impact | Abuja
Agricultural institutions across Nigeria have showcased a wide range of locally developed innovations capable of transforming the nation’s food systems, creating employment opportunities and improving rural livelihoods, while calling for stronger investment, collaboration and supportive government policies to accelerate the adoption of research-driven technologies.
The appeal was made during Nigeria Day at the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week, where universities, colleges of agriculture and research institutes highlighted success stories demonstrating how innovation is improving agricultural productivity, reducing post-harvest losses and expanding agribusiness opportunities across the country.
Presenting a paper titled “Success Stories of Agricultural Innovations by Agricultural Institutions,” the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Olusola Babatunde Kehinde, said Nigerian agricultural institutions have evolved beyond their traditional teaching roles to become centres of innovation solving farmers’ challenges and supporting national development.
According to him, agriculture remains Nigeria’s most strategic economic sector, contributing significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment and rural livelihoods despite persistent challenges such as low productivity, climate change, inadequate mechanisation and post-harvest losses.
He described innovation and collaboration as the two critical drivers needed to modernise agriculture, improve productivity and strengthen food security.
“Our agricultural institutions are no longer just centres of learning; they are engines of innovation, enterprise development and human capital capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector through research-driven solutions,” Kehinde said.
Highlighting FUNAAB’s achievements, he disclosed that the university has developed several innovations in cassava processing, maize value addition and horticultural preservation technologies. These innovations have led to the production of value-added products including odourless fufu, cassava bread, garri, honey, processed cashew nuts and finely brewed palm wine.
He explained that the technologies have significantly reduced post-harvest losses, improved product shelf life and stimulated the growth of agro-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Kehinde further noted that FUNAAB’s agripreneurship programmes, biotechnology research, digital agriculture initiatives and extension services have improved farmers’ incomes by as much as 60 percent through improved cassava processing technologies, while supporting graduate-led agribusinesses that continue to create jobs and strengthen local agricultural value chains.
He called on government to increase investment in agricultural research, biotechnology, digital agriculture and agripreneurship while providing policies that encourage institutions to commercialise research outputs and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness.
Speaking on behalf of Provosts of Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria, Professor Jonathan Atungwu described agricultural colleges and research institutions as catalysts for national development, saying they have become centres where scientific discoveries are transformed into practical solutions for farmers.
“These are not just centres of learning; they are engines of transformation shaping Nigeria’s agrifood future,” Atungwu said.
He stressed that the true value of agricultural institutions lies in their ability to solve real-life agricultural problems through research and innovation.
Using the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as an example, Atungwu said improved cassava varieties developed by the institute have significantly increased crop yields, while its Youth Agripreneurs Programme has empowered young Nigerians with skills to establish successful agribusinesses.
He called for stronger partnerships among universities, research institutes, government agencies and the private sector to accelerate agricultural transformation.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Institute of Horticultural Research (NIHORT), Ibadan, Professor Muhammed Lawal Atanda, highlighted the strategic contributions of agricultural research institutes to national development.
Representing research institutes across the country, Atanda unveiled one of the institute’s major innovations designed to improve yam production while reducing labour-intensive farming practices.
According to him, the technology can produce approximately 2,650 yam mounds daily and has already been adopted by Obasanjo Farms, six other commercial farmers and Egypt-based Tanta Motors for large-scale production under a public-private partnership arrangement.
He said the innovation has increased yam yields by 35 percent, improved farmers’ incomes by 20 percent, and significantly reduced labour requirements.
Atanda noted that indigenous agricultural technologies have enormous potential to strengthen national food security, generate employment and improve farmers’ livelihoods if adequately supported through strategic partnerships and increased investment.
He also disclosed that the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) has recorded over 80 percent adoption of its post-harvest technologies aimed at reducing food losses across Nigeria.
According to him, the institute has developed several innovations including solar dryers, the Ice Fish Box and hermetic storage systems for grains, roots, tubers, fruits, vegetables, fish and livestock products.
He explained that the technologies are helping to reduce food spoilage, extend shelf life and minimise dependence on chemical pesticides, thereby improving food quality and reducing post-harvest losses nationwide.
