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Nigeria aligns policy and research to boost agri-food sector

Policymakers, researchers, and development partners recently convened in Abuja to establish a coordinated approach for transforming Nigeria’s agri-food system. The dialogue, organized by the International Food Policy Research Institute, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, and other partners, included representatives from over seven federal ministries. Oliver Kirui, Country Programme Leader, IFPRI-Nigeria, emphasized the critical need for cross-sector coordination, stating that the engagement aimed to align priorities and foster mutual support. He noted that international organizations like the World Bank and GIZ also participated, sharing insights on ongoing food system interventions. Kirui highlighted the goal of moving from evidence to policy and then to real impact, with a focus on addressing policy gaps to scale results. Aline Mugisho, CGIAR Country Convener, Nigeria, stressed the importance of policies reflecting the realities of farmers and local stakeholders. She introduced the new Policy Innovation Hub, designed as a "one-stop shop" for developing and refining practical, evidence-based policies, emphasizing that implementation would involve engagement across federal, state, and local levels. Mugisho also underscored the role of private sector collaboration in ensuring sustainable and impactful interventions. Clemens Breisinger, Director, CGIAR Policy Innovation Programme, highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue, informed by real-time evidenc