₦airaland Forum

By Henshaw NYONG, Uyo
Posted by Ubong ASSAM Jnr, Lagos


Participants at the just concluded 3rd Agribusiness Roundtable and International Conference have been empowered and urged to adopt global best practices to transform the agricultural sector in Nigeria and beyond.

The three-day conference, organized by the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI), gathered experts and stakeholders from across the globe, including countries like Indonesia and Thailand.

The epoch-making event which held from October 27 to 29 at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Akwa Ibom State, provided a collaborative platform for addressing critical challenges in agribusiness.

A communiqué issued at the end of the roundtable highlighted the critical need for sustainability and resilience in agriculture. Experts stressed the importance of climate-smart agricultural techniques, robust food systems, and sustainable farming practices to effectively address climate change, resource scarcity, and evolving consumer demands.

They stressed that a shift is necessary, urging farmers to join cooperatives and formal business networks rather than working individually. They also underlined the need to make agriculture a mainstream economic sector, highlighting subsidies as a critical support to elevate farmers from subsistence to a more commercially viable operation.

On harnessing technology for growth, agritech innovations, including data analytics, precision agriculture, and digital platforms, were highlighted as essential for increasing productivity and market access. The conference called for significant public and private investment to facilitate the adoption of advanced technologies that can drive growth within Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

On building inclusive value chains and fostering collaborative partnerships, stakeholders advocated for creating equitable and inclusive value chains that empower local farmers, generate employment, and stimulate rural economic growth. They emphasized that partnerships between governments, businesses, researchers, and farmers are essential for overcoming agricultural challenges and achieving sustainable development.

On access to inputs, finance, and markets, stakeholders and experts noted that limited access to financial resources and agricultural inputs, such as improved seedlings and fertilizers remains a significant barrier to large-scale production. To address this, they recommended streamlining financing processes and broadening access to development bank funds for farmers. In the same vein participants highlighted the importance of global market access through agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), urging diplomatic efforts to renew AGOA and boost Nigerian agribusinesses' presence in international markets.

On the commitment to sustainable growth, various experts advised participants and exhibitors to push for supportive regulatory frameworks and adopt sustainable practices that enhance productivity while preserving natural resources.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Planning Committee and South-South Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI), Howard Usen told Newsmen that the conference served as a critical platform for idea exchange, partnership-building, and a shared resolve to advance Nigeria's agricultural sector in line with global standards.