News in Brief:
– Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture visited Egypt to strengthen agricultural ties in joint crop research, modernising farmer support systems, and exchanging tech.
– The partnership aims to enhance food security and drive sustainable agricultural development across Africa.
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, recently embarked on a strategic visit to Egypt, fostering closer ties with the country’s Agricultural Research Center and Agricultural Bank of Egypt.
Senator Kyari, who shared details on this trip on his official X page, was received in that country by H.E. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and his entourage. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Egypt-Nigeria business forum. It underscores both nations’ commitment to advancing agricultural practices through research, innovation, and the exchange of technological expertise.
Collaboration on crop improvement
Essentially, a key focus of the visit was exploring avenues for joint research and development of crop varieties. “[It aims] to foster collaboration with Egypt to drive agricultural transformation through research, innovation, and the exchange of technological advancements,” Kyari said.
The two countries target developing crops better suited to their respective climatic conditions, ultimately boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing food security.
Meantime, the Nigerian delegation observed Egypt’s successful implementation of a comprehensive farmers’ database and identity card system. This system streamlines farmers’ access to crucial resources such as loans, subsidies, and agricultural inputs.
They recognised the benefits of such a system and sought to replicate and enhance Nigeria’s farmer support mechanisms through a partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Consequently, this collaboration aims to issue G2P (Government-to-Person) cards to Nigerian farmers, facilitating more transparent and accountable service delivery.
Technological exchange and capacity building
Additionally, both nations pledged to share their respective agricultural technological advancements. This exchange will not only enhance the capabilities of both countries but also foster joint solutions to common agricultural challenges.
They pledged to establish training platforms for researchers and farmers, facilitating mutual learning and knowledge transfer.
Egypt has long been a significant player in African affairs. Its agricultural expertise, particularly in water management and irrigation techniques developed along the Nile River, has been of interest to other African nations, including Nigeria, at various points in history.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Egyptian economy, contributing significantly to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). With 11.3% of the country’s economic output stemming from the sector, it employs a substantial portion of the population, particularly in Upper Egypt where over 55% of jobs are agriculture-related.
However, the sector is characterised by a reliance on small-scale farming practices that often fall short of international standards, presenting challenges for modernisation and increased productivity.
Overall, this visit signifies a significant step towards strengthening the agricultural partnership between Nigeria and Egypt.
