ABUJA — The future of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and its ability to feed its rapidly growing population hinges on a radical shift toward collaborative and “demand-led breeding,” according to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director-General of IITA and Regional Director of CGIAR, delivered this critical message at the 3rd International Conference of the Nigerian Plant Breeders Association (NPBA) in Abuja. Dr. Ehui warned that survival demands immediate action, moving beyond past successes.
Factual Update: The Climate Imperative
IITA, in collaboration with Nigerian Research Institutions, has already released more than 200 improved crop varieties. However, Dr. Ehui insisted the next phase of plant breeding must focus on resilience, nutrition, and equity to counter imminent threats:
| Threat Category | IITA’s Focus & Factual Context |
| Resilience/Climate | Breeders must develop crops that can effectively withstand drought, salinity, and emerging pests—challenges exacerbated by climate change. This is explicitly a matter of national “survival.” |
| Nutrition & Equity | The goal is not just to produce more food, but to yield “better food that nourishes, diversifies diets, and empowers smallholder farmers, especially women and youths.” |
| Capacity Building | IITA remains committed to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of scientists through platforms like the International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows (IARSAF). |
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Stakeholder Commentary: Breaking Siloes
Dr. Ehui directly challenged researchers and institutions to adopt a broader, market-focused perspective:
“We must break down siloes and draw insights from across disciplines, including plant health, nutrition, climate adaptation, markets, and social science.”
He stressed that “Plant breeding is too important to be left to breeders alone,” requiring coordinated action. Crucially, he argued that successful demand-led breeding—where research is guided by market needs and farmer input—requires “strong engagement with the private sector” to ensure that innovation reaches farmers and markets effectively.
The message to stakeholders was clear: “The future is not written but bred, nurtured, and cultivated through collective efforts.”