FG Launches EU-Funded Twinning Project to boost Climate-Smart Food Security in Nigeria
The Federal Government has launched a pioneering EU-funded Twinning Project aimed at enhancing food security and strengthening sustainable food systems through climate-smart technologies for Enhanced Value Chains Development in the Country
The project, a collaboration between Nigeria and the European Union, brings together expertise from the Czech Republic, Austria, and Latvia to support Nigeria’s agricultural transformation drive
Speaking at the Launch in Abuja today, the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari highlighted the need for a more resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural system in Nigeria.
Represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, he emphasized the significance of climate-smart agriculture, highlighting its dual role in addressing climate change while boosting farmers’ productivity, protecting the environment, and enhancing resilience to changing climatic conditions.
On behalf of the Federal Government, he appreciated the European Union and its Member States for their continued partnership and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector
“This project represents another important milestone in the long-standing cooperation between Nigeria and the European Union. It is particularly noteworthy because it marks the first Twinning Project of its kind in Nigeria, bringing together expertise from the Czech Republic, Austria and Latvia to collaborate closely with Nigerian counterparts in advancing climate-smart agriculture and strengthening sustainable food systems.” He said
Senator Abdullahi disclosed that the present Administration has placed food security at the top of its national priorities so as to ensure economic diversification, job creation and national stability.
The Minister added that in line with this commitment,
the Ministry is implementing reforms to boost food production and climate resilience, including advancing the National Agricultural Resilience Framework, promoting sustainable land management, and investing in irrigation and dry-season farming to increase crop yields as well as reduce vulnerability to climate change, among others
The Minister noted that the EU-Nigeria Twinning Project aligns with Nigeria’s national priorities, providing technical expertise and knowledge exchange with European partners, adding that the project will review Nigeria’s National Agricultural Resilience Framework, develop climate-smart agriculture guidance, and build capacity through study visits and training programmes.
He expressed the Ministry’s commitment to working with the EU Delegation and consortium partners to ensure the project’s success and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector
Key highlights of the project include:
Boosting Climate-Smart Agriculture, Strengthening Food Security, National Agricultural Resilience Framework, Capacity Building, Institutional Strengthening, Enhancing Nigeria’s institutional capacity for agricultural policy development and implementation
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, stated that the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between policy and implementation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He added that addressing food insecurity requires not only investment but strong institutions and effective policies, noting that the project will identify key gaps and provide practical recommendations that translate into real improvements for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities,”
According to him, “’by strengthening institutional frameworks and promoting climate-smart practices, the initiative is expected to improve productivity while reducing post-harvest losses and environmental risks’’.
The Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu in a welcome address stated that ‘’the Twinning Project is especially significant because it brings together technical expertise from European institutions and Nigerian professionals to work on critical areas of agricultural policy and climate-smart development which will translate into resilience agriculture for food security in the country’
He added that ‘’this initiative comes at a very crucial time Nigeria iactively working to strengthen its agricultural systems in response to emerging challenges, particularly those posed by climate change, food security and evolving global food systems transformation’’.
