November 03, (THEWILL) — >Nigeria’s quest for food self-sufficiency has received a major boost with the launch of the Climate-Smart Village Initiative, a technology-driven farming model designed to enable year-round crop production and drastically reduce the nation’s dependence on imported staple food items.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 4th Agribusiness International Conference held in Uyo, the Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI), Mr Howard Usen, described the initiative as a revolutionary step toward achieving sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
Usen explained that the Climate-Smart Village model, which integrates modern irrigation systems and organic soil regeneration technology, will allow farmers to cultivate crops continuously regardless of weather conditions, thereby addressing seasonal shortages and ensuring a stable food supply.
“The Climate-Smart Village is a game changer. It makes it possible for farmers to plant and harvest 24/7, 365 days a year. Supported by an organic input firm from the U.S., the model regenerates soil health and delivers over 40 percent increase in yields”, he said.
He noted that the initiative, implemented in partnership with the Cross River Basin Development Authority through the Onna Irrigation Project, will not only boost productivity but also position Akwa Ibom State as a centre of innovation in climate-resilient agriculture.
According to Usen, the technology-driven system will significantly reduce Nigeria’s import bills on staple foods by increasing local production capacity, improving post-harvest management, and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
“This innovation will address the challenges of climate change and help Nigeria keep pace with global agricultural advancements. It’s about using technology to produce more with less — more food, less land, and less environmental impact”, he added.
The 4th Agribusiness International Conference, which attracted participants from across Nigeria, also featured the groundbreaking of the Centre for Innovation and Sustainable Agriculture (CISA) in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The conference received goodwill messages from several state governors, including Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, who described the forum as “a platform that fosters innovation, collaboration, and investment toward transforming the agricultural landscape of the nation.”
Usen further praised Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for prioritising agriculture under the Arise Agenda, commending his administration’s investment in food production, farmer support, and agribusiness development.
“Governor Umo Eno was rightly recognised for making agriculture the number one priority of his administration. Through grants and incentives to farmers, he is building a strong base for sustainable food production”, Usen said.
He projected that within the next three to five years, Akwa Ibom would emerge as a major agribusiness hub, leveraging the innovations from the Climate-Smart Village and CISA to process, package, and export agricultural produce.
“With this initiative, Akwa Ibom will soon be known not just as an oil-producing state, but as Nigeria’s model for technology-driven food sufficiency”, Usen affirmed.
