Sasakawa Africa supports increased government funding for the extension of agricultural research in Nasarawa

The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has called for greater public investment in agricultural research, extension and advisory services to accelerate the transformation of food systems and ensure innovations reach farmers.

SAA Country Director in Nigeria, Dr Godwin Atser, represented by Nathaniel Otene, Technical Coordinator for Climate Change Resilience and Agri-Food System, made the appeal during his two-day working visit to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on Friday, in Lafia.

He said stronger extension systems, combined with digital technologies and partnerships, would be essential to bridging the gap between agricultural research and farm-level adoption.

He highlighted the need to invest in youth and ensure that digital agricultural services are accessible to all categories of farmers as part of efforts to build resilient and inclusive food systems.

Atser warned that innovations developed by research institutes would have limited impact if they were not effectively passed on to farmers.

Atser said the organization is exploring collaborations with governments, research institutions and development partners to expand the reach of its programs.

The Country Director said SAA interventions in Nigeria focus on regenerative agriculture, market-oriented agriculture, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, capacity building, extension and digital inclusion.

He highlighted that the organization is also intensifying efforts to promote improved seed varieties, climate change adaptation, youth participation and livestock development.