Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged African leaders to embrace technological advancements that can boost agricultural resilience and accelerate the continent’s transition to self-sufficiency in food production.
Jonathan made the statement during his keynote talk at the first African Conference on Agricultural Technologies (ACAT) in Nairobi, Kenya, with the subject “Agricultural Resilience Through Innovation.”
Jonathan, who is also the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) Ambassador for Agricultural Technology, stated that the efficient and innovative application of technology is the road to agricultural resilience and food security.
Jonathan stated that despite having more than 60% of the world’s fertile land, Africa frequently struggles with food shortages and the vagaries of climate change.
He added that in spite of its endowments and immense agricultural potential, Africa was still vulnerable to food inadequacy that further heightens high food imports.
“We cannot continue like this, as we must, as a necessity match the inherent and abundant resources on the continent with agricultural prosperity with none one left in hunger.
“Innovation is the bedrock of all evolutionary transformative change. Africa must rapidly evolve by embracing innovation to foster resilience in its agricultural endeavours.
“Innovation must be part of our resolute course to re-shaping our agricultural outlook that should help our farmers to ably adopt new approaches to effectively withstand or overcome the myriad of challenges that currently bedevils the sector.
“It is by being creative and innovative that we as a people and a continent can bestow on ourselves a well secure food, nutrition and economic prosperity,” he said.
Jonathan said that Africa needed innovations that would ensure the continent continue to produce what it like in good volumes by making its production systems more efficient, sustainable, and climate-smart.
The former president said though Africa had made significant strides in accessing and adopting technology, there was still much more to be done.
“We must invest in research and development, integrate cutting-edge science in the development of advanced innovative technologies to enhance precision agriculture, biotechnology, and digital platforms that connect farmers with knowledge and skill from planning through production to markets.
“These innovations empower our farmers, improve yields, and boost income,” he said.
Jonathan added that Africa must invest in training and capacity strengthening for all involved in the food value chain, be they researchers, regulators, traders and not forgetting consumers especially on the critical matter of nutrition and quality of life.
“We must provide quality, effective extension services to ensure that our farmers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively utilize these new technologies.
“The youth, in particular, must be encouraged to see agriculture as a viable, modern, and profitable career,” Jonathan said.
He said that the innovation must be inclusive, and tailored to suit the needs of smallholders farmers and address their concerns.
He also called for partnerships among governments, the public and private sector, non-governmental organisations, research institutions, farmers, community groups and other stakeholders for agricultural development.
“I want to emphasize that the journey toward agricultural resilience through innovation is a collaborative effort.”
“It takes political will, investment, and a dedication to our people’s well-being.” It is about ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry and that our industrious farmers are compensated for their efforts.
“If we handle agricultural resilience right, we shall move, as a continent, in placing agriculture in good stead and as pedestal for economic recovery and prosperity,” he stated.
He hailed the conference’s subject as relevant and current because it resonates and connects with the continent’s continued concern and lingering discussion about the difficulties and prospects in the agriculture sector.
