Prof Alex Adisa, from the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Ogun State, suggested the use of agricultural machinery engineering to improve food security in Nigeria.
He mentioned that any country that can't supply sufficient food for its people is in serious danger.
Adisa spoke in Abeokuta during the university’s 88th inaugural lecture on Wednesday, with the theme “Agricultural Machinery Engineering: A Key Towards Sustainable National Food Security and Industrial Development.”
He urged for united national efforts to address food insecurity in Nigeria.
He emphasized, “Any nation that can't provide enough food for its citizens is in serious danger, hence the critical role of agricultural machinery engineering in ensuring sustainable national food security and industrial development.
“It remains a serious danger for any nation unable to provide adequate food for its populace.
“Nigeria must therefore start utilizing its abundant skilled human resources and building on successful research outcomes from the nation’s research institutions to strengthen food security and industrial growth”
He further explained that investment initiatives promoting agricultural machinery engineering will significantly reduce unemployment, engage the nation’s workforce and youth productively, ultimately leading to food production and a drastic reduction in hunger and crime rates in the country.
Pointing out the educational landscape, he suggested returning some elective courses back into core subjects within the agricultural engineering curriculum.
He argued that this would enhance students’ learning experiences and better prepare them for the challenges ahead.
Adisa also urged the College of Engineering to lead collaborative efforts among staff from various research fields to refine and commercialize successful projects.
Therefore, he advocated for national collaboration, innovation, and investment in agricultural machinery engineering as a foundation for achieving sustainable food security and industrial development in Nigeria.
