Nigeria has secured a significant boost for its agricultural sector with a $134 million grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB). The funds are earmarked for the cultivation of staple crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and soybeans, to bolster food production in the country.

Announcing the support, AfDB President Akinwunmi Adesina highlighted the importance of the initiative during his visit to the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University, Kano. Adesina outlined plans for cultivating 300,000 hectares of rice and maize, alongside 150,000 hectares of cassava and 50,000 hectares of soybeans for the upcoming planting season in 2024.

Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, Adesina emphasized the need for innovative approaches to agriculture. He stressed the importance of adapting to climate change and utilizing water resources more efficiently, especially in cultivating drought-resistant crops.

In addition to financial support, the AfDB aims to collaborate with the CDA to enhance its capabilities in weather prediction and information gathering, ultimately benefitting farmers across the region. Adesina also announced plans to provide grants to support youth entrepreneurship in agriculture through initiatives like “Agri Pitch” and “Agri Hacking.”

Commending the efforts of Bayero University, Kano, and the CDA in promoting technological innovation in agriculture, Adesina underscored the importance of leveraging research and training to address the challenges posed by climate change.

In response, Jibrin Mohammed-Jibrin, the director of CDA, highlighted the centre’s achievements in research and education, supported by grants from institutions like the World Bank. He emphasized the role of CDA as a regional training hub for West and Central Africa, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices in the sub-region.

The partnership between Nigeria and the AfDB represents a significant step towards enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture in the country, paving the way for increased productivity and resilience in the face of climate change.

Author: Deborah Oyinloye

With an interest in media, Deborah aims to impart the lives of people positively.

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