Author: Adewale Kupoluyi

Renowned experts in the field of nematology research in Africa, under the aegis of NemAfrica, which is a joint nematology laboratory between the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), are working to tackle the menace of nematode pests, a microscopic worms that attack a wide range of key crops, including potatoes. Nematologist and co-lead of NemAfrica at the IITA, Dr. Danny Coyne, spoke on the activities of NemAfrica, which he co-leads alongside Solveig Haukeland at icipe in Kenya. He said awareness is the main obstacle keeping smallholder farmers from implementing sustainable management…

‎President Bola Tinubu has given the nod to accelerate the nation’s development through technology and food security, aligning with the success models of emerging economies. The President Tinubu stated this when he met with a cross-section of Nigerians resident in Brazil, as part of his recent state visit, according to his Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu, who likened the ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria to bitter pill, stressed his administration’s commitment to transformation through innovation, reform, and inclusive growth. “We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty,…

The Federal Government has approved a six-month temporary ban on the export of raw shea nut to curb informal trade, boost local processing, protect and grow local shea industry. The ban, which is with immediate effect, is subject to review on expiration and specifically aimed at boosting Nigeria’s shea value chain to generate around US$300 million annually in the short term. This piece of information was given by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha. The Vice President Kashim Shettima, had announced the President’s directive during a multi-stakeholder meeting…

In a bid to assist Nigerian farmers, most especially smallholders, who have struggled with limited access to basic mechanisation services and high costs for decades, to surmount the challenge of consistently undermining food security and rural livelihoods, a remarkable achievement has been recorded in this regard. According to a statement, TracTrac stands out in Nigeria’s mechanisation space by delivering a full value chain solution that combines demand creation, equipment access, capacity building, and tailored financing. Unlike platforms focusing solely on transactions, TracTrac bridges the gap between farmers and machinery through a hybrid technology model and on-ground agents, ensuring reach in remote communities…

The National Project Coordinator of Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Abdulhamid Umar, has stated that the agency is developing strategic management plans to facilitate its projects in catchments of the benefiting states in the northern Nigeria to achieve its target of restoring one million hectares of degraded land.Umar disclosed this at the Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop for the Development of Sarki-Powa-Kaduna , Okwa-Mada, Gurara-Gbako, Lokoja -Niger, and Aloma-Ebonyi, as part of the 20 strategic catchment management plans being developed for Nigeria. According to the ACReSAL boss, the workshop was designed for the benefiting catchment areas from 10 states, including Kogi,…

Amid persistent security challenges in parts of Plateau State, farmers in the Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas are celebrating a bumper harvest of Irish potatoes, a major economic crop in the area councils. For over a decade, these areas and other parts of Plateau State have witnessed sporadic attacks by unknown gunmen, displacing some residents, causing tension, and that the early and sustained rainfall this year has significantly boosted yields.A number of farmers in Mangu described the harvest as one of the most successful in recent years. “We thank God for the rains”, said Jimoh Bello, a farmer in Mangu. “The weather favoured us and despite the insecurity, we’ve…

The Director-General, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Dr. Simeon Ehui, has revealed that youth participation is critical to the future of agriculture and food security, as young people remain central to the adoption of emerging agricultural innovations that can increase productivity and protect the environment.Ehui, represented by the Deputy Director-General in charge of Partnerships for Delivery, Dr. Tahirou Abdoulaye, made this known at the 2025 International Youth Day event, organised by the Youth in Agribusiness Unit of the institute, with the theme ‘Local Youth Actions for the (Sustainable Development Goals) SDGs and Beyond’. The DG pointed out that the institute introduced the unit over 10 years ago in recognition of the pivotal role of young people in sustainable…

Agriculture has long served as a backbone of Nigeria’s economy, providing food, jobs, and raw materials for industries, but, however, there are numerous challenges that hinder its growth and potential. In a country blessed with fertile land and abundant human resources, why is agriculture still underperforming?One of the most pressing issues is lack of access to modern technology and equipment, as many Nigerian farmers still rely on outdated tools like hoes and cutlasses, which limit productivity. Mechanised farming is expensive and often left out of reach for smallholder farmers, who dominate the sector and other major challenge is poor infrastructure, bad roads, inadequate storage facilities,…

To further boost Nigeria’s livestock sector, the Federal Government is planning a number of initiatives such as the establishment of climate-resilient grazing reserves, expansion of veterinary health infrastructure, and the strengthening of community-based animal health services. The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, disclosed this in Abuja at the convocation and 7th investiture ceremony of new Fellows of the Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria.Maiha, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, expressed optimism that the induction of new fellows would provide the additional expertise needed to drive President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the livestock…

Young farmers in the Niger Delta region appear to be ready to harvest the available opportunities in fishery, poultry, oil palm, rice, plantain, and cassava production to earn a living. The Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) developed the LIFE-ND programme in 2019 to promote income-generating enterprises in the agribusiness value chain for youth and women, including people living with disabilities, in the Niger Delta. The project targets 38,250 beneficiaries in the nine Niger Delta states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers, with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) providing counterpart funds for…