Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have renewed their commitment to empowering smallholder farmers and agro-MSMEs to achieve sustainable food security and rural prosperity.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking during a high-level meeting with FAO Director-General Dr Qu Dongyu at the 2025 World Food Forum in Rome, said the partnership would strengthen agricultural resilience against climate change.
“Our collaboration with FAO is pivotal in transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through innovation and technology,” Shettima said.
Discussions focused on restoring the Lake Chad Basin, improving irrigation systems, and expanding mechanisation to enhance productivity.
The initiative also includes creating a national farmers’ database to improve funding access and resource allocation for small-scale farmers.
Shettima urged FAO to increase Nigerian employment representation within the organisation, saying, “This partnership will ensure rural communities remain central to national growth.”
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
Mirian Gom 
Chukwu Obinna