The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun the full implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) to enhance food production, strengthen food security, and grow the economy. This was announced by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, at the opening of the second annual Community of Practice meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State. The meeting brought together commissioners responsible for agriculture, livestock, fisheries, health, environment, commerce, and rural development.
Nigeria has developed and validated a 10-year National Agrifood System Strategy and Action Plan to domesticate the Kampala CAADP Agenda 2026–2035. The plan aims to expand all-season production through irrigation and improved access to quality seeds. The government is also supporting national agricultural research institutes and strengthening the application of research findings to practical farming challenges. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the country's food security and economy.
Minister Kyari emphasized the importance of Nigeria's participation in the CAADP, stating that the country's choices in agriculture have consequences beyond its borders. He noted that the agenda prioritizes sustainable food production, investment and finance, food and nutrition security, trade, inclusion, resilience, and stronger governance. The Community of Practice provides a mechanism for translating the objectives of the CAADP into action at the subnational level.
The German Embassy's Head of Development Cooperation, Dr. Karin Jansen, welcomed Nigeria's leadership in advancing the Kampala agenda. She stated that the meeting's theme, “Stronger Partnerships for a Food Secure Nigeria,” reflected the cooperation required to transform agrifood systems in Nigeria and across Africa. Jansen emphasized that progress depends on strong cooperation between the Federal Government and the states, as well as the active participation of non-state actors.
Dr. Jansen also mentioned that Germany is supporting the implementation of the CAADP through stronger agricultural policy processes, expansion of successful approaches, and greater civil society participation. The German Embassy is working closely with the Nigerian government to ensure the success of the programme. This partnership is expected to enhance food security and sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, represented by his deputy, pledged the state's support and collaboration towards implementing the CAADP and increasing food production. He noted that the meeting was important as it brought together policymakers, agricultural experts, researchers, farmers, private-sector actors, and development partners. The governor's commitment to the programme is expected to boost food production in the state.
The implementation of the CAADP is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria's food security and economy. The programme aims to increase food production, reduce poverty, and improve the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities. With the support of development partners like Germany, Nigeria is poised to make significant progress in achieving its food security goals.
Key points
- Nigeria implements the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme to boost food production and strengthen food security.
- The programme aims to prioritize sustainable food production, investment and finance, food and nutrition security, trade, inclusion, resilience, and stronger governance.
- Germany supports Nigeria's implementation of the CAADP through stronger agricultural policy processes and greater civil society participation.
