Stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to adopt policies that dismantle barriers to food productivity while promoting environmental sustainability, public health, and economic resilience for smallholder farmers.
The call was made in Abuja at the National Stakeholders’ Conference on Agroecology with the theme: “Advancing Agroecology Principles and Practice for Food Sovereignty in Nigeria.”
In a communiqué issued after the conference, participants noted that Nigeria’s agricultural systems face immense pressure due to high population growth, climate change, declining soil fertility, inadequate farmer support, and insecurity. They emphasized that overcoming these challenges requires policies that empower farmers, enhance food sovereignty, and build resilience.
“Agroecology offers practical solutions to these interconnected issues by promoting ecological balance, biodiversity, farmer empowerment, and food sovereignty,” the stakeholders said. They stressed that while momentum around agroecological and organic agriculture is growing in Nigeria, there is an urgent need for coordinated efforts and enabling policies supported by relevant research.
The conference convened a wide range of participants including farmers, researchers, civil society organisations, youth and women’s groups, media representatives, and policy advocates for a day of dialogue, strategy, and experience-sharing. It featured reports on the progress of agroecology and organic agriculture in Nigeria, while spotlighting success stories across Africa — from Ghana and Kenya to Malawi — that demonstrate the transformative impact of agroecological practices on food systems, nutrition, and livelihoods.
In Nigeria, the Be the Help Foundation’s agroforestry farm was cited as an example of how agroecology can deliver both economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.
However, the stakeholders also identified key obstacles hindering the expansion of agroecology, including poor access to land and credit, weak extension services, limited awareness, and widespread reliance on toxic agrochemicals. The spread of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) was highlighted as a significant threat, creating dependence on multinational corporations and contributing to soil degradation.
“Food security cannot be attained without food sovereignty — where communities control their seeds, food systems, and agricultural practices,” they declared.
To that end, the stakeholders committed to:
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Championing agroecological practices in Nigerian farming communities;
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Prioritising food sovereignty in policy discussions and national planning;
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Advocating for context-specific research and farmer-led innovations;
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Defending farmers’ rights to land, seeds, and water;
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Preserving indigenous food systems and traditional knowledge.
They also resolved to push for increased government investment in agroecological research and extension services, foster communication among stakeholders, and follow up with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to mainstream agroecology in national agricultural policies — particularly following its inclusion in Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0).
