By Atoyebi Nike
Stakeholders, including researchers, civil society organisations, and farmers, have expressed concern over the poor application of agricultural research to support food production in Nigeria.
Speaking at a national workshop in Abuja, Dr. Eze Onyekpere, Lead Director of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), criticised the underutilisation of research outcomes despite significant funding for agricultural institutions.
“We pay researchers to improve our food value chain, not just to publish papers,” he said. “Farmers must benefit from this research.”
The workshop, organised by CSJ in partnership with the Heinrich Böll Foundation, focused on strengthening ties between agricultural research, extension services, and farming practices.
Sophie von Knebel, the foundation’s Country Director, stressed that over 70% of smallholder farmers are women and that research must be translated into practical tools they can use.
“The gap between innovation and implementation must be closed,” she said.
Fatima Bala-Gummi, President of SWOFON, represented by Marka Abbas, said effective research use could improve yields and reduce labour stress for smallholder women farmers.
Dr. Nnemeka Ihegwaogu of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) stated that the council is working with institutions to improve research outreach through extension departments and model communities.
The workshop called for urgent reforms to ensure that public investment in agricultural research leads to better productivity and food security.
