The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has emphasized the importance of proactive policies in the agricultural sector to unlock sustainable food systems. Speaking at a high-level event in Rome, Italy, Kyari highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to create a climate-resilient, nature-positive food system.
Nigeria has established a partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to conduct extensive policy analyses, informing the country’s agricultural policymaking. The National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan aims to enhance agricultural investments, boost agrifood production, create jobs, and alleviate poverty while promoting reforestation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Minister noted that Nigeria’s forthcoming Nationally Determined Contributions prioritize climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land management, and empowering smallholder farmers. The country has also advanced its National Adaptation Plan, integrating adaptation priorities into agriculture, water, health, and infrastructure.
Kyari called on stakeholders to commit to coherent national strategies aligning climate objectives with agricultural development, backed by catalytic finance and policy reform. He appreciated the technical support from FAO and IFAD, highlighting the importance of global and transforming food systems for sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness.
The Minister emphasized that additional funding is crucial to develop climate-resilient crops and implement sustainable agricultural practices, addressing the significant challenges posed by climate change and ensuring food security for all nations.