Repositioning Teaching and Research Farms in Nigerian Higher Institutions: A Strategic Framework for Revitalizing Agricultural Education and Food Security
*1Oluwole Olajide Ogunbanjo and 2Olusegun Olajide Awe
1&2Department of Agricultural Education, Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology (SACOETEC), Omu-Ajose, Ogun State, Nigeria (Formerly Tai Solarin College of Education). Email: oluwoleolaogunbanjo@gmail.com
Abstract
Nigeria's agricultural sector is important in the Nigerian economy. It is accountable for nearly 24 % of the GDP and employs close to 70% of the labor force. Yet it is contending with a worsening food insecurity crisis, with projections suggesting that 33.1 million people may be acutely affected by 2025. An important piece of correcting this situation is modernizing teaching and research farms at post-secondary institutions—facilities that have endured chronic underfunding, poor upkeep, and neglect for decades. This position paper is guided by the Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) framework and informed by peer-reviewed studies, government policies, and empirical data from Nigeria and Africa (2020–2026). It delves into the vital roles these farms play in agricultural education. It evaluates their impact on food security, identifies the structural and institutional hurdles that hinder their effectiveness, and suggests a comprehensive strategic framework for their revitalization. This framework includes dedicated government funding, fostering public-private partnerships, reforming the curriculum to include hands-on experiences, strengthening the links between research, extension services, and farmers, and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. In line with the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP, 2022–2027) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 4, 8, and 13, the paper urges the government, universities, the private sector, and development partners to recognize teaching and research farms as vital national assets that are essential for transforming Nigeria's agricultural landscape.
Keywords: Teaching farms, Research farms, Agricultural education, Food security, Agricultural Innovation Systems, Nigeria
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