On May 22, 2024, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) participated in the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture-CGIAR Stakeholder Engagement held in Abuja, Nigeria. The event was a key platform for presenting the IITA Strategy 2024-2030 and discussing its alignment with Nigeria's agricultural policies and programs. The engagement brought together government officials, private sector representatives, development partners, and research institutions to forge a collaborative path forward for Nigerian agriculture.
Dr. Roel Merckx, Chair of the IITA Board of Trustees, delivered the opening remarks, followed by a documentary providing an overview of the institute’s impactful work and its strategic vision for the future. Dr. Simeon Ehui, IITA Director General, then outlined the IITA Strategy 2024-2030. Simeon emphasized how the strategy is designed to support and enhance the Nigerian government's agricultural programs, aiming for sustainable development and food security.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation on the "Agriculture Policy Outlook in Nigeria" by Dr. Channing Arndt, Senior Director for Transformation Strategies, IFPRI. Channing provided a comprehensive analysis of the role of agriculture in Nigeria, identifying key macro-economic challenges and opportunities for agriculture to contribute to exports.
Following Channing's presentation, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Honorable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, delivered a response to the IITA Strategy.
The event ended with fireside conversation facilitated by Dr.
Bernard Vanlauwe, IITA Deputy Director General, R4D. The panel included Dr. Kwaw Andam, IFPRI-Nigeria Country Program Leader, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Honorable Minister of State (FMAFS), Dr. Dominique Koffy Kouacou, Country Representative of FAO, and Mrs. Yemisi Iranloye, CEO of Psaltry International. The discussion highlighted diverse perspectives on agricultural development, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches and partnerships across sectors.
IFPRI's participation in this stakeholder engagement underscores its commitment to supporting Nigeria's agricultural policy development and implementation.
