Agroecology Takes Center Stage as Stakeholders Chart New Path to Food Sovereignty in Nigeria

 - Nsemeke Fabian Asanga

Amid mounting threats to Nigeria’s food system—from climate change to land grabs and the spread of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)—agricultural and environmental experts, farmers, civil society groups, and policymakers have unanimously called for a national shift towards agroecology. The call came during the National Stakeholders’ Conference on Agroecology, held on July 21 in Abuja, under the theme “Advancing Agroecology Principles and Practice for Food Sovereignty in Nigeria.”

The conference was convened to galvanize action toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector into one that promotes sustainability, ecological balance, and food sovereignty—defined as the right of people to control their own food systems, including seed and production methods. With food security in Nigeria under serious threat due to climate disruptions, soil degradation, insecure land access, and overreliance on synthetic agrochemicals, participants agreed that agroecology offers a viable and transformative solution.

Group Photo at the National Stakeholders' Conference on Agroecology

“From Food Security to Food Sovereignty”

A key message from the conference was the need to prioritize food sovereignty over the narrow concept of food security. Speakers emphasized that it is not enough to ensure food is available—it must also be healthy, culturally appropriate, ecologically sustainable, and controlled by the people who produce and consume it.

“Food sovereignty takes precedence because it ensures that local farmers and communities have control over their seeds, farming methods, and food systems. This is the foundation for resilient, self-sufficient agriculture.” - Nnimmo Bassey, Director HOMEF

Success Stories Fuel Hope for Nigeria’s Transition

The conference showcased powerful case studies from across Africa demonstrating the potential of agroecology. In Ghana, drought-resistant orange-fleshed sweet potatoes improved food security in dryland communities. Kenya’s PELUM Network revived traditional African leafy vegetables, enhancing food production and community enterprise. Malawi’s “NeverEndingFood” initiative used permaculture to transform degraded land into year-round food sources. Back home in Nigeria, the Be the Help Foundation’s agroforestry farm is successfully blending ecological farming with economic empowerment—proving that agroecology is not just a theory but a practical path forward.

Challenges and Barriers Still Loom Large

Despite the momentum, participants pointed to formidable barriers, including limited awareness, insufficient research, lack of access to land and credit for women, and poor extension services. The growing spread of GMOs was strongly condemned for undermining farmers' autonomy, threatening biodiversity, and perpetuating dependence on multinational corporations.

“GMOs are not a solution to hunger but a false promise that weakens soil, marginalizes farmers, and threatens Nigeria’s food sovereignty.” - Nsemeke Fabian Asanga, Head of Communications, Kebetkache Women.

Policy, Research, and Youth Engagement: The Way Forward

In the declaration, stakeholders committed to championing agroecology nationwide and called for urgent policy reforms, including;

• Banning GMOs and supporting organic farming.

• Enacting national seed bank policies to preserve indigenous varieties.

• Integrating agroecology into school curricula and agricultural research.

• Investing in youth training to ensure the continuity of indigenous knowledge.

• Strengthening communication between farmers, researchers, and policymakers.

• Deploying trained agroecological extension workers to rural communities.

Furthermore, the conference urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to follow through on its commitment to mainstream agroecology as part of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Climate Agreement.

The communiqué issued at the close of the conference was explicit: all tiers of government must recognize agroecology as a critical strategy for achieving food sovereignty, climate resilience, and rural empowerment.

Nigerian citizens must also be part of this transformation. Communities and households should embrace subsistence farming and local food systems. The national agroecology movement is growing. With sustained advocacy, evidence-backed policies, and grassroots support, Nigeria’s agricultural future could be ecologically sound, economically just, and firmly in the hands of its people.

Download the Communique.

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