SAA and GIZ Partner with TCoEFS to Drive Institutional Innovation in Food Security

News Update

Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) and GIZ Partner with TCoEFS to Drive Institutional Innovation in Food Security

Date: April 28, 2025

Venue: TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of Jos

The TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Food Security (TCoEFS), University of Jos, under the leadership of Prof. Dauda Bawa, hosted a high-level advocacy and engagement visit by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ). The visit formed part of the SIFTAS Project – Strengthening Institutional Frameworks for Transformative Agricultural Systems in Nigeria.

Delegation

The SAA delegation was led by Dr. Bidemi Ajibola (Project Manager, SIFTAS, SAA Nigeria) and Mr. Patrick Akpu. They were joined by Mr. Mwanlong Dashen (Technical Adviser, GIZ) and representatives of the Potato Multi-Actor Platform (MAP), Ms. Sarah Kwarpo and Ms. Grace Mamswa.

The team engaged with key institutions in Plateau State, including the University of Jos, on strategies to strengthen agricultural systems and promote sustainable practices.

Key Areas of Engagement

The discussions focused on strategic pathways to advance agricultural transformation in Nigeria, with emphasis on:

• Integrating climate-smart and regenerative agriculture, particularly potato agroforestry, into academic curricula and training manuals.
• Strengthening institutional frameworks that support innovative agricultural practices such as Farmer Field Business Schools (FFBS), contract farming, and cooperative models.
• Developing and mainstreaming evidence-based policy frameworks that promote sustainable food systems and enhance resilience across agricultural value chains.

Perspectives from the Engagement

According to Dr. Bidemi Ajibola, Project Manager of the SIFTAS Project at SAA Nigeria, “Potato Agroforestry has the potential to double farmer incomes, restore degraded land, and stabilize yields under climate stress.”

In his remarks, Prof. Dauda Bawa, Director of TCoEFS, emphasized that, “This is not just a project. It is a paradigm shift toward building resilient and inclusive food systems.”

Institutional Commitment

As a Centre at the forefront of research, innovation, and capacity development in agriculture, the TCoEFS reaffirmed its commitment to:

1. Collaborate with stakeholders in mainstreaming transformative agricultural approaches.
2. Support policy and curriculum development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
3. Promote inter-institutional partnerships that drive innovation and rural development.

Appreciation and Next Steps

The Centre expressed its appreciation to the SAA, GIZ, and MAP teams for this meaningful engagement and for recognizing the University of Jos as a key partner in advancing food security and agricultural transformation in Nigeria.

Looking ahead, TCoEFS will work with its partners to deepen collaboration and translate shared ideas into practical outcomes that benefit farmers, communities, and the broader agricultural sector.