The Federal Government has called for increased investment in science, innovation and strategic partnerships to unlock Africa’s livestock potential and build resilient agrifood systems that will enhance food security, create jobs and drive sustainable economic growth across the continent.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made the call at the opening of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW) and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), held in Abuja on Monday, 27th of july 2026.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Innovations and Partnerships for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa,” Maiha described the gathering as timely, noting that Africa continues to grapple with climate change, rapid population growth and global economic uncertainties. He stressed that science, innovation and regional collaboration are critical to securing the continent’s food future.
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the goals of FARA and Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D), saying research and cross-border collaboration remain essential to improving food security, reducing poverty and driving sustainable development.
Maiha said livestock remains central to Africa’s agricultural transformation, noting that resilient agrifood systems cannot be achieved without a thriving livestock industry that supports nutrition, rural livelihoods and economic growth.
He highlighted Africa’s vast livestock resources, including about 350 million cattle, 300 million sheep, 400 million goats, 20 million camels and 50 million pigs, describing them as significant opportunities for investment and value addition.
The Minister acknowledged challenges facing Nigeria’s livestock sector, including low productivity, inadequate veterinary infrastructure, climate change and farmer-herder conflicts. He, however, said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced bold reforms to reposition the sector for sustainable growth.
According to him, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 reflects the government’s commitment to making livestock a key driver of national economic development.
Maiha said the National Livestock Master Plan (NLMP) and the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) provide a roadmap for modernising the sector through improved production systems, stronger value chains, enhanced infrastructure, conflict mitigation and greater private sector participation.
He disclosed that Nigeria aims to grow the livestock sector’s value from 32 billion dollars to 74 billion dollars over the next decade. To achieve this, he invited investors and development partners to invest in ranching, dairy processing, feed production, cold-chain logistics, veterinary pharmaceuticals and digital livestock identification and traceability systems.
The Minister also urged researchers to develop climate-smart innovations, including drought-tolerant fodder, improved breeding technologies, artificial insemination and disease surveillance systems to boost livestock production across Africa.
Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said Africa’s future prosperity depends on sustained investment in science, research and innovation. He noted that every successful agricultural transformation has been driven by strong research institutions, deliberate investment and visionary leadership.
Kyari reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration has placed agriculture at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda through expanded irrigation, mechanisation, improved access to quality inputs, agricultural financing, digital agriculture and stronger private sector participation.
He added that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening agricultural research institutes, universities, extension services and innovation systems, while leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, satellite technology and digital agriculture.
In his welcome address, FARA Executive Director, Dr. Aggrey Agumya, described Africa Agriculture Science Week as the continent’s premier platform for scientific collaboration and innovation. He said Africa possesses the natural resources, youthful population and scientific expertise needed to transform its agricultural sector but stressed that research must translate into practical solutions that benefit farmers.
Agumya called for stronger collaboration among governments, research institutions, universities, development partners, the private sector and farmers to ensure scientific innovations improve productivity and livelihoods across the continent.
Representatives of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) also called for stronger partnerships and sustained investment in research, technology and innovation to accelerate Africa’s agricultural transformation.
The conference brought together ministers, scientists, researchers, development partners, private sector stakeholders and farmers’ organisations from across Africa. The week-long event is expected to produce practical recommendations that will strengthen agricultural research, attract investment and accelerate the transformation of Africa’s agriculture and livestock sectors.
