Farmers Urged To Connect With Agricultural Researchers To Boost Food Production In Nigeria

An expert in the field of Agricultural Research at the Institute of Agricultural Research And Training (IAR&T), Ibadan has called on farmers to connect with researchers so as to boost food production and sufficiency in Nigeria.

Prof. Samuel Adelowo Olakojo dropped this hint, while delivering the lead paper during the IAR&T 2026 In-House Review held recently at the Prof. Adebowale’s Hall, Moor Plantation, Ibadan recently.

Prof. Olakojo disclosed that the climate change and its negative effects have now compounded the ease of producing sufficient food to feed in the Country.

Prof. Olakojo also advice farmers to adopt crop rotation as another way of protecting the soil, “For instance, if they plant maize this year , they should plant another short term plant like cowpea, and others,” he said.

“Due to the increasing complexity of food systems and the increasing incidence and magnitude of unpredictable disturbances, there is increasing potential for food systems to cross critical thresholds, in which one of its critical components is fundamentally altered in its functions”, Olakojo said.

While speaking at the programme with the theme: Cultivating Resilience: Research For Agricultural Development In a Changing World, the Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire challenged researchers at the Institute to work with or ahead of the current technology in carrying out research that will boost the Institute’s integrity, most especially in this era of artificial Intelligence (AI).

While speaking on the topic “Engineering Resilience In The Face of Complex Challenges To Agricultural Development In Nigeria”, Prof. Bamire commended the leadership and Staff of the Institute for sustaining the culture of periodic Research Review, which according to him remain essential for strenghening schorlarship, improving relevance, and ensuring that our research efforts continue to address national priorities.

“Agriculture occupies a central place in Nigeria’s Development agenda. It is not only a source of food and employment, but also a major driver of industrial growth, poverty reduction, and national stability,” he added.

Prof. Bamire however disclosed that the sector is presently confronted with complex and interrelated challenges, including climate change, insecurity in farming communities, low mechanization, post- harvest losses, inadequate funding, weak extension systems, and limited linkage between research outputs and industry application.

These challenges, according to Prof. Bamire require more than routine responses, they demand resilience, innovation, and deliberate engineering of sustainable solutions.

Prof. Bamire also challenged the IAR&T and OAU to ensure that the findings of their research translate into practical innovations that improve productivity, enhance food security, and support national development.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of IAR&T, Prof. Gabriel Oluwatosin attributed the low research been carried out to paucity of funds as he described the year been reviewed as zero release of funds for capital projects.

Prof. Oluwatosin, however stated that the Institute was able to carry out some research based on the external funds received from TETFUND and the commitment of the Institute’s scientists, who in anticipation of fund release went ahead to spend their personal money to carry out their approved research projects.

“For many institutions, this would have been a reason to shut the gates against IN–HOUSE REVIEW this year, but I want to appreciate the ruggedness and the tenacity of our scientists.

“They did not fold their arms. They proved that while money is a tool, the real engine of the Institute remain the intellectual capital of the researchers,” he said.

Prof. Gabriel Oluwatosin, however called on the three tiers of government to play a significant roles and meaningful intervention on specific issues relating to their immediate environment in a manner that agricultural problems are solved holistically.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Samuel Orisajo, Director, Research Outreach at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) who represented the Ag. Executive Director of CRIN congratulated the Management and staff of IAR&T for the success of the annual programme and urged their researchers to continue providing solutions to farmers’ problems through their various research works.

“CRIN commends IAR&T for its sustained commitment to advancing agricultural research, capacity building, and technology development for the benefit of Nigeria’s farming communities and the broader economy. We are confident that the deliberations and outcomes of this review will further strengthen the collective resolve of Research Institutions to build resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.”

President Pig Farmers Association of Nigeria and representative of Nigerian Institute of Animal Science , Prof. Kingsley Adesehinwa in his goodwill message lauded the Management and Staff of IAR&T and OAU, Ile-Ife for forging ahead despite non availability of funds.

He, however, described IAR&T, Ibadan and OAU, Ile-Ife as part of the success stories behind the breakthroughs in Agricultural researches.

Other dignitaries at the event include, the Dean of Faculty of Agriculture OAU, Prof. Femi Ajayi, Deputy V.C (Academics), OAU, Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, Representative of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Dr. Olufemi Salako, farmers, Management and Staff of IAR&T, Ibadan.

—Kunle Bakare