Agribusiness: Path to transforming food systems

10 May 2024

In a strategic move to align multilateral partnerships for food and nutrition security in Africa, a maiden edition of the Agribusiness for Food Security Initiative was held recently at IITA headquarters in Ibadan.

The high-profile event, hosted by Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde and chaired by former Nigerian President and IITA Honorary Ambassador Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, critically explored research and private sector involvement in addressing the challenges of food and nutrition insecurity at state, national, and continental levels.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Governor Makinde said the initiative is key to the ongoing agriculture transformation efforts by the state government, adding that the Agribusiness for Food Security Initiative is coming at an important time when Oyo State is actively driving a new way of practicing agriculture.

"To achieve this change, we have focused on partnerships that drive agribusiness, working with the private sector and development organizations, creating a competitive advantage through agribusiness," Governor Makinde said.

The collaboration between Oyo State and IITA at the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub is focused on creating an environment where more people work together along the value chain for greater productivity.

According to Governor Makinde, the Fasola Hub is creating learning curves that are being deployed to achieve agricultural development in the state.

Co-chair of the Forum, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, while reaffirming CGIAR's commitment to driving positive change by leveraging private sector partnerships and policy engagement to harness the potential of agribusiness, said the Agribusiness for Food Security Initiative is an urgent response to the complex and multifaceted challenges like climate crisis, population growth, and socioeconomic disparities facing Africa's food systems.

He added that CGIAR's agenda aims to harness the power of agribusiness to create resilient, inclusive, and thriving food systems.

"With thriving collaborations, we can catalyze innovation, drive investment, and foster sustainable agricultural practices that address the complex challenges facing global food systems," DG Ehui said.

While achieving food security demands a collaborative approach that transcends borders and sectors, Chief Obasanjo called on governments, the private sector, and international bodies to join forces and leverage collective strengths and resources to develop holistic strategies and solutions to deploy innovations that exist in research institutes like IITA, other CGIAR centers.

The Agribusiness Forum emphasized the shared responsibility of every stakeholder in the food systems while paving the way for actionable insights, strategic collaborations, and transformative solutions.

"We are here to look at how we can harness the potential in agriculture as a business and chart a path for our food systems in Oyo State, Nigeria, and Africa. Let us seize this opportunity to make a difference and work together toward a future where everyone can access safe, nutritious, affordable food. Together, let us make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions by championing agribusiness for food security," Chief Obasanjo said.

The journey toward building resilient and sustainable food systems for food security is a shared responsibility that demands collective action, unwavering commitment, and innovative thinking.

With the successful maiden edition of the Agribusiness for Food Security Initiative, key actors are positioned to carry the conversation forward at national, regional, and continental levels, focusing on building multilateral partnerships and resilient and sustainable food systems toward food security in the future.

Contributed by Timilehin Osunde

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