From February 12-13, 2024, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) participated in a High-level Strategic Engagement on Climate Change, Food Systems and Resource Mobilization organized at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). The event drew key stakeholders from across sectors to strategize and innovate towards agricultural development.
Day one kicked off with an opening session, graced by the presence of high-level stakeholders in the field of agriculture and development. Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator/CEO of African Union Development Agency - New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Nigeria, delivered insightful opening remarks, setting the stage for the discussions ahead. Ms. Nardos Thomas-Bekele, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD Continental, and Dr. Ibrahim A. Mayaki, AU Chairman on Food Systems, delivered keynote addresses, highlighting the urgency and importance of collaborative efforts in advancing agricultural agendas.
On day two, the event was officially declared open by His Excellency Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The discussions delved deeper into fostering public-private sector partnerships and securing investments in agriculture and food systems in Nigeria. In the technical session, Kwaw Andam, Nigeria National Policies and Strategies Lead and Country Program Leader of IFPRI-Nigeria, gave a presentation on “Nigeria’s Agrifood System: Structure and Drivers of Transformation”. Other presenters included Esther the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Temi Adegoroye, Sahel Consulting and Agriculture, and Prof. Christopher Eze, Ag. Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo-Imo state, led engaging dialogues on effective partnership strategies and investment security measures.
The sessions concluded with a discussion session, providing participants with the opportunity to seek clarifications and share insights. The event ended with participants underscoring the collective commitment to drive positive change in Nigeria's agricultural landscape.
Photo credit: AUDA-NEPAD
