Nigeria Transforms Agrifood Systems with Kampala Declaration
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari has stated that implementation of the Kampala Declaration (2026-2036) on agriculture and food security will lead to intensified sustainable food production, promoting agro-industrialization, reducing post-harvest losses, and increasing intra-African trade.
The Minster made the disclosure during the Community of Practice Summit on Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) with the theme: “from Kampala to Abuja. Transforming Agrifood Systems in Nigeria”, held in Abuja, recently.
In a statement by Obe Mabel on behalf of the Ministry’s Head of Information, lSen Kyari noted that the aim was to increase investment portfolio, facilitate regional integration through inter/intra-Africa Trade, promote inclusivity, advance research and development, encourage innovative technology as well as strengthen the institutionalization of good governance.
He emphasized that “the need to drive food system transformation can not be
over-emphasized. We must move beyond business-as-usual approaches and embrace bold reforms that will make our food systems more productive, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. This transformation is essential to ensure food security in the country’’.
The Minister added that “the Federal Government has made tremendous efforts by providing clear policy direction and fostering stronger collaboration with the states in the implementation of the Malabo Declaration. Over the past decade, the African Union’s assessment of Nigeria’s progress during the Biennial Review has shown that our country is making significant strides in the agricultural ecosystem’’.
Kyari pointed out that the Ministry has set up an Agricultural Sector Working Group comprising Research Institutions, Private and Public Sectors, Development Partners, Non-Governmental Organizations, and stakeholders from the Civil Society Organization.
“The group serves as critical governance mechanism, to scale up best practices, monitoring progress, identify gaps, stimulate actions for result, promote accountability, and mobilizing collective action towards the achievement of our shared responsibility.” The Minister said
He highlighted that ‘’the Federal Government has provided 2,000 tractors and related implements to boost agricultural production. We have equally launched the Special Agro-industrial Zone (SAPZ) in Kaduna, Cross Rivers, and Ogun States with others coming on board.
Under this project, the country has committed to substantial investments of $538.05 Million, leveraging on the private sector, in the establishment of Industrial Hub and Agricultural Transformation Centers, the zone will further stimulate a total sum of $1Billion by 2027 ‘’, Kyari said
He stressed that at the just concluded African Food System Summit in Dakar, “I hosted a deal room with investors and other critical stakeholders on the Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Program (NiPHaST), which aims to cut massive annual postharvest inefficiencies valued at #3.5 Trillion and strengthen value chains, for secured national food sovereignty.
The outcome of this investment drive will create a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable food system, ultimately contributing to farmers income, livelihood improvement, waste reduction, value chain enhancement economic development and food security’’.
The Minister stated further that ‘’in this perspective, our collective understanding and ownership of this process is essential. This is achievable by working together to drive the domestication of the framework at the sub-national level, we can sustain the momentum of progress and ensure that our agricultural policies and actions continue to deliver tangible benefits for all Nigerians’’.
He emphasized that ‘’the need for synergy between the Federal and State Governments is not just beneficial, it is indispensable for achieving sustainable food security, resilient livelihoods, and the transformation change envisioned by the Kampala Declaration. Through effective coordination and shared responsibilities, all tiers of government can impact-fully streamline policies, mobilize resources, and implement interventions’’.
Appealing to the Commissioners of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Rural Development, he said, “you hold a crucial role in shaping the direction and impact of our agricultural policies and programs at the sub-regional level. Our challenges require not only innovative solutions but also coordinated action and unwavering commitment at every level of government’’.
He assured that ‘’the Federal Government stands ready to support and collaborate with you as we align our efforts with the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) and our national priorities. Together, let us set realistic targets, pool endowment, and drive the reforms needed to build robust, equitable, and sustainable food systems across all our sub-regions’’.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi stated that the implementation of CAADP has already had a transformative impact on the agricultural landscape in Nigeria and across Africa.
He added that by providing a strategic framework for agricultural development, CAADP has enabled countries to align national policies with continental priorities, resulting in numerous positive outcomes.
In her goodwill message, the Head of German Cooperation, Dr Karen Yansen, stated that the Kampala Declaration (2025) is evidence – based, aimed at strengthening governance systems through integrated monitoring, promote inclusivity and equity.
In attendance were the Representative of the Minister of Livestock Development, Head of Development Cooperation, Germany, Country Director, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Nigeria, State Commissioners of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, among others.
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