The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has called for increased investment in irrigation infrastructure to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential and strengthen food security across the continent.
Kyari made the call at an International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) side event titled “Why Water Matters: Scaling Irrigation Investment for Africa’s Food System,” held during the 2026 Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF2026) in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Minister noted that Africa has about nine per cent of the world’s renewable freshwater resources and more than 60 per cent of its uncultivated arable land, yet only about six per cent of its cultivated land is irrigated.
He said expanding irrigation would promote year-round farming, increase agricultural yields and reduce the impact of unpredictable rainfall on food production.“Africa is not water-poor; Africa is water unlocked,” Kyari said.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s experience with the TRIMING Project and the $500 million SPIN Project as examples of efforts aimed at strengthening irrigation and placing farmers at the centre of water management.
Kyari urged African governments and development partners to move from commitments to concrete action, stressing that water security is fundamental to food security, peace and prosperity.
The Minister’s call comes amid growing efforts to strengthen Africa’s food systems through improved water management, climate-resilient agriculture and increased investment in irrigation.
