Federal Government has introduced a new investment plan to advance climate-smart farming, boost food production, and create employment opportunities for farmers.
Gatekeepers News reports that Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Abubakar Kyari in a statement on Sunday, explained that the initiative is tailored to promote sustainable agricultural practices, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen Nigeria’s food systems in line with both national and global climate commitments.
He said, “The National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan aims to enhance agricultural investments, boost agrifood production, create jobs, alleviate poverty, and make healthy diets more affordable.”
“At the same time, it seeks to lower greenhouse gas emissions from agrifood production and promote reforestation.”
The minister recalled that the ministry, formerly known as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, entered into a partnership in 2022 with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations through the Monitoring and Analysing Food and Agricultural Policies Programme. He noted that this collaboration has guided policy choices and improved agricultural planning.
Kyari highlighted that the plan focuses on scaling up climate-smart agriculture for crops and horticulture, restoring degraded lands with sustainable practices, promoting regenerative agriculture and agroecology, and empowering smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.
He said, “Building on these priorities, Nigeria has advanced its National Adaptation Plan, which integrates adaptation strategies into agriculture, water, health, and infrastructure, with strong emphasis on community-led solutions and ecosystem-based approaches.”
The minister added that Nigeria is positioning itself under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to develop policies and market mechanisms for carbon trading and results-based financing.
He said, “By leveraging carbon credits from climate-smart agriculture, afforestation, and ecosystem restoration, Nigeria aims to attract additional investment while supporting smallholder farmers.”
Kyari also pointed to ongoing development programmes such as the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone initiative, the Value Chain Development Programme, the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise in the Niger Delta, the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, and the National Agricultural Growth Scheme – Agro Pockets.
He called on stakeholders and international financial institutions, including FAO, IFAD, and the Global Environment Facility, to expand financial support, share risks, and implement projects that directly benefit smallholder farmers and rural communities.
The minister emphasised that such collaboration is “vital as we work collectively to transform food systems for sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness.”
Kyari underscored the need for increased funding for climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming practices to tackle climate-related challenges and secure the nation’s food future.
Kyari concluded that the investment plan aligns Nigeria’s agricultural agenda with global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, UN Food Systems Summit, and COP28, ensuring that the nation’s food production systems also advance international climate goals.
