Biotechnology solve Nigeria’s food security issues.

Nigeria must urgently tap into the power of biotechnology to address challenges in food production, healthcare, and economic growth, according to Professor James Chukwuma Ogbonna, Vice Chancellor of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno, Enugu State

Speaking at the 37th International Conference of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), held in Umudike, Ogbonna stressed the need for the country to take bold steps towards adopting biotechnology innovations. The conference, themed “Innovative Biotechnology for National Growth: Pathways to Food Security, Health and Environmental Sustainability,” brought together key stakeholders to explore solutions to Nigeria’s development challenges.

According to Ogbonna, biotechnology is central to tackling major global and national issues such as hunger, energy supply, disease management, and environmental protection. He pointed out that although Nigeria currently lacks the economic and technological strength to fully withstand foreign pressures, the country can only secure its future by aligning with global scientific progress without compromising cultural values.

“We will best be able to protect ourselves from undue influences only if we advance technologically and economically to the point of being globally competitive,” he said.

He called for stronger research efforts and the need to push biotechnology discoveries into commercial use. Ogbonna argued that showcasing the economic value of biotechnology would help attract more investments from both the government and private sector. He also noted the BSN’s role in promoting collaboration, highlighting the existence of cross-institutional research groups. However, he urged for more targeted research, better funding, and proposals that focus on Nigeria’s local needs.

He expressed concern about Nigeria’s heavy dependence on South-North collaborations, which he said often result in research led by foreign agendas with minimal relevance to local priorities.

On education, he urged the government to increase investment in biotechnology training and infrastructure. He encouraged BSN to strengthen ties with key institutions and agencies to improve education and research.

Ogbonna concluded by appreciating attendees and expressing hope that the conference would help re-examine Nigeria’s biotechnology sector and steer the nation toward becoming a knowledge-driven, tech-based economy.

NRCRI has prioritised making these innovations accessible to farmers.

To tackle challenges such as climate stress, low yields, and disease outbreaks, the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, has successfully developed and released over 90 improved crop varieties tailored for Nigerian farmers

These include more than 50 cassava varieties, 30 yam varieties, 10 potato types, 4 sweet potato lines, and 2 ginger varieties, all bred for better productivity, disease resistance, and climate adaptability.

This was revealed by Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, Executive Director and CEO of NRCRI, during his address at the 37th International Conference of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), held from August 18 to 22, 2025, at the NRCRI Library Complex in Umudike. The conference, themed ‘Innovative Biotechnology for National Growth: Pathways to Food Security, Health and Environmental Sustainability’, was hosted in collaboration with the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).

Prof. Egesi underscored the institute’s commitment to biotechnology as a critical tool in driving agricultural progress. He stated that NRCRI has consistently remained at the forefront of crop improvement by using advanced technologies like molecular markers, tissue culture, and gene editing to develop resilient and nutritious crop varieties that meet the demands of both farmers and markets.

The institute has also introduced modern propagation techniques to improve seed systems. These include the use of vine cuttings for sweet potato, aeroponics for rapid yam seed multiplication, and semi-autotrophic and autotrophic systems for cassava, potato, and sweet potato. These innovations ensure faster, healthier, and more reliable planting material production.

Beyond research, NRCRI has prioritised making these innovations accessible to farmers. Through rural empowerment schemes and training programmes, the institute supports technology adoption across the root and tuber value chain. “We have created vibrant communities of seed entrepreneurs across the country, ensuring sustainable access to quality planting materials, thereby strengthening seed systems,” said Prof. Egesi.

He added that thousands of farmers, students, and agro-industrialists have benefitted from technical and vocational training, focusing on areas like advanced multiplication techniques and the development of value-added products. “Training has focused on specialized areas such as advanced multiplication techniques and value-added product development.”

Among these innovations is a technology that extends the shelf life of gari to over one year, enhancing its storage, export potential, and market value. Other product developments include starch, instant fufu, baby formula, bread, chips, biscuits, and flakes.

Prof. Egesi stressed that NRCRI’s work directly contributes to national priorities such as food security, poverty reduction, and economic empowerment, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. He also reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture, noting its essential role in promoting environmental sustainability amid ongoing climate change challenges.

A major part of the initiative is the dredging of nearby rivers to enable all-year-round farming

In a significant move to enhance food production and security in Nigeria’s Northeast, Mustapha Barkindo , the Lamido of Adamawa, has approved the allocation of 2,000 hectares of land for the development of a modern agricultural hub

This ambitious project is expected to change the landscape of farming in the region and provide jobs for over 10,000 youths.

The initiative, known as the Adamawa State Agricultural Hub, is part of the ACReSAL programme and will be led by Business Development Managers Consultancy Services (BDMCs). It is being developed in collaboration with the Adamawa Emirate Council and the state government, with the aim of transforming agriculture into a more innovative, productive, and economically viable sector.

Abubakar Umar, chairman of BDMCs’ board of directors, announced during a briefing at the Lamido’s palace that the land will host an integrated agricultural platform. This will include every stage of the value chain—cultivation, harvesting, processing, packaging, and export. Crops such as yellow maize, sesame seeds, ginger, turmeric, soybeans, and hibiscus are prioritised for production, reflecting both local demand and export potential.

In addition to crop cultivation, the hub will support livestock and fisheries. Plans include goat and poultry farming, cattle rearing, milk production, animal fattening, and aquaculture. These sectors will help diversify agricultural activities while providing multiple streams of income for local farmers.

Representing the Lamido, Umar Yahaya,  the secretary of the Emirate, reaffirmed support for the project, describing it as a timely and strategic intervention. “This is a partnership that will drive economic development, youth empowerment, and food security in Adamawa state,” he said.

The project carries an estimated investment of US$80mn, largely backed by American investors, while technical support and machinery will come from Chinese partners. Peter Olayinka, vice chairman of BDMCs, highlighted the broader ambition behind the project. “The hub will create at least 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, boost internally generated revenue, and enhance agricultural research and training,” he stated. He also mentioned that Osun and Delta States have been identified as the next phases of the rollout.

A major part of the initiative is the dredging of nearby rivers to enable all-year-round farming. The adoption of modern technologies like all-crop sensing and greenhouse systems will also be introduced to boost productivity.

Furthermore, the project includes plans for a Tropical Institute of Agriculture. This institute will offer practical training to participants from across Nigeria, focusing on crops suited to each state’s specific strengths. Trainees will receive financial support and their produce will be collected for export.

To complement these developments, an agro-city will be constructed within the hub. This will feature administrative buildings, hostels, a farm market square, a three-star hotel, an aquatic farm restaurant, and even a helipad to improve investor access.

AGRA is also investing in building stronger value chains around soy and groundnuts

Malawi stands at a turning point in its agricultural history, with the potential to double its export revenues in the next decade by moving away from its longstanding dependence on tobacco

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is championing this transformation by focusing on alternative crops such as soybeans, groundnuts, and horticulture.

Following a recent visit, Jonathan Said, AGRA’s Vice President and Head of its Centre of Technical Expertise, told Nyasa Times that Malawi has "a once-in-a-generation opportunity" to restructure its agriculture sector. The shift could help the country reduce its reliance on tobacco and tea for foreign exchange, while opening up significant opportunities in other crops.

“Soybeans and groundnuts have the potential to be larger than tobacco in terms of forex earnings and to create youth work opportunities on a large scale,” Said explained. “If Malawi can coordinate across government, private sector and farmer groups, export revenue could double in the next 5-10 years.”

AGRA is already working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and private sector stakeholders to advance research, strengthen regulations—including the Seed Law—and support the Mega Farms initiative, which has the potential to reshape both food security and export capacity.

Crucially, AGRA is also investing in building stronger value chains around soy and groundnuts. These chains aim to connect farmers with agro-processors producing high-demand products like soy milk, peanut butter, cooking oil, baby food, animal feed, and even industrial emulsifiers.

“These value chains are critical not just for export earnings, but also for nutrition, soil health, women’s empowerment and climate adaptation,” Said noted.

AGRA’s broader strategy is structured around three key areas: mega farms of 20–100 hectares serving as hubs for smallholder outgrowers; anchor firms that connect farmers to financial institutions and consumer markets; and seed system reforms to ensure availability of high-yielding, drought-tolerant varieties.

“You cannot have commercialisation and agro-industrialisation without anchor firms,” Said emphasised. “And you cannot build competitive value chains without fixing seed supply.”

AGRA is also targeting Malawi’s youth. Through initiatives like YEFFA (funded by the Mastercard Foundation) and the Malawi Agricultural Cluster Initiative (backed by Norway), thousands of young people are being mobilised, trained, and connected to land, finance, and agribusiness opportunities.

Said, who served as an economic advisor in Malawi’s Ministry of Industry and Trade from 2011 to 2014, stressed the importance of national leadership in steering this transformation.

“The presidency has the power to align actors and keep focus on solving bottlenecks in extension, seeds, digitalisation, mechanisation and finance,” he said. “We’ve seen glimpses of this through the President’s Delivery Unit and the National Planning Commission, but it needs to be accelerated.”

Despite challenges like climate change and global market uncertainty, Said remains optimistic.

“Malawi has all the ingredients. With leadership, focus and coordination, agriculture can finally become the engine of inclusive growth that Malawians have long been waiting for.”