Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to farmer-friendly and household-based agriculture as a pathway to food security and inclusive growth. 

The declaration was made at the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Community of Practice Summit held at the Fraser Suites in Abuja.

Speaking at the summit, the Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, emphasised that the State, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, has consistently prioritised agricultural transformation as a key pillar of development.

Dr Alabi’s presentation showcased Kwara’s efforts to consolidate gains in the rice value chain, provide continuous support to farmers, and expand a backyard farming initiative that has reached multiple communities. 

According to him, these programmes are improving livelihoods and contributing directly to household food production across the State.

He also revealed that discussions are ongoing to establish a bio-fertiliser manufacturing facility in Kwara, a move expected to strengthen soil health, reduce input costs for farmers, and promote eco-friendly agricultural practices. 

The commissioner noted that these actions position Kwara as a State championing practical, innovation-driven solutions to Nigeria’s agricultural challenges.

Dr Alabi reaffirmed that Kwara’s policies align with both Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda and the Kampala Declaration (2026–2035), which focuses on strengthening food security, enhancing farmer livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agricultural growth across Africa.

The summit gathered Commissioners of Agriculture, policymakers, and development partners from across the continent to exchange ideas on implementing the CAADP roadmap. 

One of the key sessions, “Strengthening the Community of Practice: Role of Commissioners of Agriculture in Championing Implementation and State-Level Experience Sharing,” underscored the importance of leadership in advancing continental agricultural priorities.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, called for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments. 

He highlighted the simplified Kampala Declaration as a practical framework for aligning national and state-level strategies to build resilient food systems.

Through Governor AbdulRazaq’s vision, Kwara State continues to advance innovative programmes that strengthen agrifood systems, empower farmers, and establish the State as a model for climate-resilient and inclusive agricultural development in Nigeria and beyond.

Source: Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development