Food Security: VC Pushes Gender-Responsive, Tech-Driven Agriculture

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Food Security: VC Pushes Gender-Responsive, Tech-Driven Agriculture

Addressing Food Insecurity Through Innovative Agricultural Strategies

The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has called on the government and agricultural stakeholders to focus on climate-smart, digital, and gender-responsive innovations in agricultural extension. His message is clear: these approaches are essential for addressing food insecurity in Nigeria.

Prof. Ahmed highlighted the growing impact of climate change on Nigeria's agricultural landscape. He cited reports from the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) that show erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, flooding, and an increase in pest attacks across various states. These challenges are not only threatening crop yields but also disrupting traditional farming practices.

To combat these issues, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the role of extension officers as "frontline defenders." They must translate scientific research into practical, usable techniques such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and the use of drought-tolerant crop varieties. These methods can help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining productivity.

The 2025 National Agricultural Extension Review and Planning Meeting, organized by NAERLS in Zaria, provided a platform for discussing these critical issues. Prof. Ahmed stressed that this annual event should not be seen as a ceremonial gathering but rather as a strategic opportunity to address challenges and implement practical solutions that enhance farmers' productivity.

He also advocated for affordable digital advisory systems that are accessible in local languages. Improving rural internet access and training extension workers as "digital intermediaries" can empower farmers to make informed decisions based on data. However, he pointed out that technology will only be impactful if it is accessible to all, including women, youth, and smallholder farmers.

Reforms Needed in the Extension Sector

In his remarks, Prof. Yusuf Sani, Director of NAERLS, called for deeper reforms in the extension sector. He highlighted the need to address climate change, digital exclusion, and gender gaps. According to him, Nigeria has lost over ?700 billion to flood-related crop damage in the past five years. This loss underscores the urgency of implementing more resilient agricultural practices.

NAERLS is expanding its efforts to provide climate-smart advisories, promote resilient seeds, and strengthen early-warning systems for farmers. These initiatives aim to equip farmers with the tools they need to mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve their livelihoods.

Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

Dr. Abubakar Dabban, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. He called for a more innovative, inclusive, and climate-resilient extension system. Dabban, represented by Prof. Ado Yusuf of the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Zaria, praised NAERLS for maintaining the annual platform, which is crucial for reviewing extension performance and aligning national agricultural activities.

Dabban outlined ARCN’s commitment to strengthening result-oriented research coordination, demand-driven innovations, and climate-smart technologies. He also highlighted the need for youth-friendly solutions and digital extension tools to improve food and nutrition security.

The Role of Technology and Inclusivity

Technology plays a vital role in modernizing agriculture, but its success depends on inclusivity. Prof. Ahmed stressed that digital tools must be accessible to all segments of the population, especially women and youth. By ensuring that these groups can access and utilize technology without barriers, the agricultural sector can become more equitable and productive.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the need for a multifaceted approach to tackle food insecurity. Climate-smart practices, digital innovation, and gender-responsive strategies must work in tandem to create a resilient agricultural system. As Nigeria faces increasing environmental and economic challenges, the collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and farmers will be key to achieving long-term food security.


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