Innovation tech, others crucial to transforming Nigeria’s agric system – Kyari
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari during the High-Level Event in Abuja
Omeiza Bilal
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari has said that scaling up of youth agripreneurship is inevitable in agri food systems transformation stating that innovation, technology, funding support and entrepreneurship are critical for food security, economic growth, and resilient agricultural ecosystem.
The Minister made this known during the High-Level Event on Scaling up Youth agripreneurship in Nigeria for Food Systems Transformation Tuesday in Abuja.
The event is in collaboration with the FGN/NDDC/IFAD Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project.
Kyari stated that young agripreneurs, fueled by ingenuity and determination, are taking the lead in agrifood innovation, from precision agriculture to AI-powered farm tools, soilless farming, financing and payment platforms, digital marketplaces and agro-processing.
He pointed out that ‘’they are leading with innovation and a shared commitment to sustainable development and are ready to transform agrifood systems, create dignified livelihoods and drive inclusive economic growth in our dear Nation, Nigeria’’.
The Minister stated that ‘’through strategic investments and strengthened partnerships with civil society, the private sector and development partners, we have already demonstrated proof of concept’’.
‘’We have piloted youth-led agripreneurship models, expanded agro-processing and agribusiness incubation and leveraged digital tools to connect farmers to markets and finance, showing what is achievable when policy aligns with purpose,” he added.
He highlighted measures to scale up youth agripreneurship across the country, including unlocking land and productive resources for young farmers, expanding access to inclusive finance, credit guarantees, and accelerating business development support – mentorship as well as strengthening market systems through digital platforms, among others.
He emphasised the need to strengthen the following support pillars: A land access and tenure assistance program that prioritises youth eligibility and transparent processes, innovative fund/financing mechanism with blended finance options and simplified access for youth-led agribusinesses, including maximum timelines for decision making, expanded set of business development services, including mentorship networks, virtual incubation, and market linkages, with measurable success metrics, adigital platform for youth agripreneurs to showcase products, access buyers, and receive real-time market intelligence,
‘’A practical and proactive climate adaptation and risk management framework integrated into all youth-led programs, with training on sustainable farming, post-harvest handling, and value-added processes and a robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) system that tracks progress by age, gender, region, and value chain, and shares lessons learned publicly’’.
He revealed that ‘’the FGN/NDDC/IFAD assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta is a testament and strong evidence that showcases this concept and strategy’’.
The Minister called on ‘’all actors—government ministries and agencies, financial institutions, development partners, the private sector, academia, farmers’ organizations, and, most importantly, young agripreneurs— to join hands’’.
He appealed to stakeholders ‘’ Let us align our incentives so that risk-taking is rewarded and success is shared. Let us build ecosystems where collaboration eclipses competition and where every young agripreneur has a fair chance to contribute to our national prosperity’’.
The Minster thanked ‘’development partners, the private sector, and the countless champions who have already helped us on this journey. Your trust and collaboration give us confidence that scaling-up youth agripreneurship is not only possible but inevitable’’.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi said the ‘’objective of this event aligns with the Federal Government’e strategic goal of repositioning agriculture as a viable, wealth-creating, and competitive sector–one capable of reducing unemployment, deepening value addition, and contributing significantly to national prosperity.’’
‘’We envision an agricultural landscape where young agripreneurs emerge not merely as participants, but as innovators, employers, and industry leaders across processing, logistics, technology, and value chain development’’
He pointed out that ‘’LIFE-ND is essentially and truly unique with its incubation model which nurtures young agripreneurs through: Skills development and hands-on vocational training, Structured mentorship by established agribusinesses
access to digital tools and modern technologies, market linkages, and value chain integration’’
In his vote of thanks, the National Project Coordinator, Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta, Dr. Abiodun Sanni said ‘’The LIFE-ND Project has demonstrated that with the right model, Nigeria can convert its youthful population from job seekers to agripreneurial wealth creators capable of transforming the nation’s food system.
‘’We are confident that with sustained commitment, expanded partnerships, and the scaling strategies presented, LIFE-ND will evolve into a national model for agricultural prosperity, food security, and economic resilience’’.
He revealed that through LIFE-ND Project, ‘’over 23,751 direct jobs within rural communities, increased household incomes by an average of 50% among beneficiaries, contributing to poverty reduction and community resilience’’.
