Nigeria strengthened its agricultural partnerships on the global stage at the 2025 World Food Forum, deepening cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization to drive food security, rural development, and growth for agribusiness MSMEs. During a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu, both parties outlined plans to revitalise key agricultural systems, with a focus on restoring the Lake Chad Basin, expanding sustainable irrigation, advancing mechanisation, and establishing a national database for farmers.
These initiatives are designed to better equip smallholder farmers and agro-based micro and small enterprises with access to modern tools, reliable data, and improved financing pathways. By prioritising mechanisation and irrigation, the collaboration targets increased productivity and resilience against climate shocks, particularly in regions affected by environmental degradation. The proposed farmers’ database is expected to improve planning, input distribution, and inclusion in government-backed support schemes, enabling rural entrepreneurs and cooperative-based businesses to scale operations more efficiently.
Nigeria also emphasised the need for broader national representation within FAO, calling for more employment opportunities for qualified Nigerians in international agricultural governance. This push for inclusion aims to ensure that local expertise contributes to shaping global food systems. Through these engagements, the country seeks not only to boost domestic production but to unlock sustainable livelihoods across farming communities and value chain businesses that form the backbone of its rural economy.
