Scientists at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, have secured four international research grants worth $948,678.53 to advance climate-resilient agriculture and strengthen food security in Nigeria.
The grants, equivalent to ₦1.21 billion, were approved under the Action Research for Climate Adaptation in Agriculture (ARCAA) Programme, following a highly competitive selection process.
Out of 149 concept-note submissions received under the programme, only 14 were selected, with IAR’s four successful projects accounting for half of Nigeria’s eight approved proposals.
The achievement also makes IAR the only institution in Nigeria to secure more than one grant under the programme.
The ARCAA initiative is jointly implemented by Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, USA, and the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), with support from the Gates Foundation.
The four projects will focus on developing alternative livestock feeds, introducing solar-powered irrigation systems, developing climate-resilient maize hybrids and improving farmers’ access to drought-tolerant groundnut varieties.
The interventions are expected to strengthen farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change, improve agricultural productivity and contribute to Nigeria’s food security.
Reacting to the development, IAR Executive Director, Prof. Ado A. Yusuf, commended the successful researchers, describing their achievement as evidence of their dedication, creativity and commitment to research excellence.
He stressed the importance of translating research findings into practical solutions that improve farmers’ livelihoods and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting innovation and strategic partnerships.
Similarly, ABU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, congratulated the Executive Director, the four principal investigators and their research teams.
Ahmed described the achievement as a reflection of the university’s growing reputation for research excellence and reiterated its commitment to providing an enabling environment for impactful research and international collaboration.
The grants further strengthen IAR’s position in agricultural research, particularly in developing locally relevant responses to climate change, declining agricultural productivity and food insecurity.
