Research extension farmers and other stakeholders in the South-West part of Nigeria have converged on Ibadan, the Oyo State capital for the 35th annual Research Extension Farmers Input Linkage System (REFILS) annual research review.
The event, which began on Monday on the premises of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, will end on Thursday.
The theme for this year’s event is “Boosting Productivity Of Food System In A Climate Crisis” and experts in the field of agriculture have been lined up to present papers on various topic of discourse.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the workshop on Monday, Director, IAR&T, Professor Mrs Veronica Obatolu, noted that:”This year’s event promise to be very educative. It will provide answer to some of the quest for sustainable economic growth and agricultural development. It will also unfold some practical attempts and breakthroughs of the Institute and other relevant Research Centers towards miligating the food scarcity crisis in the Country.
“Our age long traditional ways of practicing agriculture and the ever dependence on small scale farmer to feed the ever growing population of this country has not been able to provide solution to our food crisis, most especially in the face of the crisis of climate change.
“Therefore, the theme of this your workshop: “Boosting Productivity of the Food System in a Climate Crisis”, will provide approaches towards increasing agricultural productivity in the face of the emerging global challenges caused by climate crisis.
“IAR&T, as one of the stakeholders in agriculture has been contributing her quota to the agenda of the Federal Government of boosting agriculture to achieve food security under its research mandate.
“Our exploit in the efficient use of soil and water management for sustainable increase in productivity of agricultural crops has resulted in the development of digitalised soil suitability nups in some local government area in the country, alongside complimentary soil and water management technologies and innovations.” She concluded.
Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Simeon Bamire, while declaring the event open said:”This year workshop theme: “Boosting Productivity of the Food System in a Climate Crisis” could not be more relevant than now in the face of the emerging global challenges, including dwindling resources, erratic weather patems, and increasing food demand.
“Today, as we converge to address the pressing challenges of food insecurity and climate change, the institute has been steadfist in its commitment to pioneering transformative research and fostering innovation in agriculture. Also, I am aware that the Institute of Agricultural Resarch and Training (IAR&T), has been at the forefront in REFILS activities, aiming to tackle the multifaceted challenges posed by a changing climate and the discussion of the outputs of these activities in this workshop will enhance agricultural productivity.
“I am delighted to inform you that the collabonation between the institute and the university has been instrumental in driving positive changes and promoting sustainable developments. Also, the synergy between the institute and the university has enabled us to channel collaborative efforts towards institutionalising research and development (R&D) in the agricultural sector, thereby contributing to national development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“IAR&T’s focus on multi-commodity value chain agricultural research aligns perfectly with national aspirations, particularly in generating foreign exchange earnings through agricultural exports. I, therefore, wish to recommend to the institute and this august gathering to consider the key areas in your discussion.
“As we commence this workshop, I wish all participants fruitful deliberations and productive engagements. Let us harness our collective expertise, innovation, and determination to chart a sustainable path for our food system amidst the challenges of a changing climate.”
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