FG Launches Agrifood Investment Plan to Promote Climate-Smart Farming

The Federal Government has introduced a new agrifood investment plan designed to drive climate-smart farming, boost food production, and create more job opportunities for farmers across the country. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced the initiative on Sunday.

According to Kyari, the National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan will strengthen sustainable agricultural practices, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and build resilience in Nigeria’s food systems while advancing both national and international climate commitments.

“The investment plan is set to expand agricultural funding, increase food production, reduce poverty, and make healthy diets more affordable,” Kyari said. “At the same time, it will reduce emissions from agriculture and promote reforestation.”

Partnership with FAO and Policy Development

The minister explained that the project builds on a partnership that began in 2022 between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, under the Monitoring and Analysing Food and Agricultural Policies Programme. This collaboration has supported evidence-based policy decisions and improved agricultural planning in Nigeria.

Focus Areas of the Investment Plan

Kyari outlined several priorities under the new plan, including:

• Scaling up climate-smart agriculture for crops and horticulture.
• Restoring degraded lands through sustainable practices.
• Promoting regenerative agriculture and agroecology.
• Supporting smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.

He also noted that the plan aligns with Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan, which incorporates resilience strategies into agriculture, water, health, and infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on community-led and ecosystem-based solutions.

Leveraging Carbon Markets

Kyari revealed that Nigeria is positioning itself under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to adopt policies and mechanisms for carbon trading and results-based financing. “By generating carbon credits from climate-smart agriculture, afforestation, and ecosystem restoration, Nigeria can attract fresh investment while supporting smallholder farmers,” he stated.

Ongoing Development Projects

The minister highlighted several ongoing programmes that will complement the initiative, including:

• Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones.
• Value Chain Development Programme.
• Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise in the Niger Delta.
• Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project.
• National Agricultural Growth Scheme – Agro Pockets.

He called on global partners such as FAO, IFAD, and the Global Environment Facility to expand financial support, share risks, and ensure that programmes reach farmers and rural communities.

“Collaboration is essential as we work to build food systems that are sustainable, resilient, and inclusive,” Kyari stressed.

Agriculture’s Role in Nigeria’s Economy

Agriculture remains Nigeria’s largest employer, providing livelihoods for over 35 percent of the population and contributing around 23 percent of GDP. However, the sector continues to face challenges, including low yields, limited credit access, high post-harvest losses, and climate vulnerability. Government efforts to address these challenges include mechanisation, irrigation expansion, and improved seed distribution.

Kyari affirmed that the new agrifood investment plan aligns with global initiatives such as the Paris Agreement, the UN Food Systems Summit, and COP28, ensuring Nigeria’s agricultural sector contributes to broader climate and food security goals.