Institute for Agricultural Research,
Ahmadu Bello University,
P.M.B 1044
Zaria.
The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR),
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has entered into a Research and Knowledge
Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Extension Africa to
strengthen the dissemination of agricultural research findings and improve
farmers’ access to reliable, science-based agricultural information through
digital technologies.
The partnership agreement was signed on Friday, 16
October 2026, establishing a framework for collaboration between the
agricultural research institution and the digital agricultural advisory service
provider to bridge the gap between scientific research and its practical
application in farming communities.
The Extension Africa delegation was led by its
Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tajudeen Yahaya, accompanied by Mr. Kolo Ezra
Zhiri, Mr. Nasir Auwal Darma and Mr. Danjuma Rishama Monday.
The delegation was received on behalf of IAR by the
Deputy Director, Prof. Nafiu Abdu, who represented the Executive Director,
Prof. Ado A. Yusuf. Other IAR officials present included the Institute
Secretary, Mr. Abbass Salihu, and the Assistant Director, Extension, Monitoring
and Evaluation, Prof. A. I. Sharifai.
At the heart of the MoU is collaboration through
the Digital Agricultural Extension and Advisory Service (DAES) Platform, which
aims to connect agricultural research and scientific knowledge with farmers and
other stakeholders through digital solutions.
Under the partnership, IAR’s research findings,
technical publications, improved agricultural technologies and extension
materials will be digitised and disseminated through the platform. This will
help make validated agricultural information more accessible, timely and
practical for farmers to use in making informed decisions about their farming
activities.
IAR will contribute its scientific expertise and
research-based recommendations to support the quality, accuracy and reliability
of the agricultural information delivered through the platform.
Beyond knowledge dissemination, the partnership is
expected to strengthen linkages among researchers, extension service providers
and farmers. Through improved communication and feedback mechanisms, farmers
will have opportunities to share their experiences and report emerging
production challenges, helping researchers and extension professionals develop
more relevant and responsive agricultural solutions.
The collaboration is also expected to increase the
visibility and utilisation of IAR’s research outputs, encourage the adoption of
improved farming practices and strengthen the contribution of agricultural
research to productivity and sustainable development.
The partnership marks an important step towards
modernising agricultural extension services by combining IAR’s wealth of
scientific knowledge and research expertise with digital platforms capable of
reaching farmers more effectively.
By bringing research closer to farmers, IAR and
Extension Africa aim to promote evidence-based farming decisions, strengthen
agricultural knowledge sharing and contribute to improved livelihoods and food
security in Nigeria.
#IAR #ABUZaria #ExtensionAfrica #DigitalAgriculture #AgriculturalExtension #DigitalAdvisoryServices #ResearchAndInnovation #KnowledgeSharing #FarmerEmpowerment #AgriculturalTechnology #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture #NigeriaAgriculture
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