IAR secures N1.2bn for climate-smart farming
Four grants will fund research into drought-tolerant crops, irrigation, and livestock feed for Nigerian farmers.
The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria has won four grants totaling N1.213 billion to support climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria. The funding comes from the Action Research for Climate Adaptation in Agriculture (ARCAA) programme, a collaboration between RTI International and RUFORUM, with support from the Gates Foundation.
These grants will finance research into practical solutions for farmers facing climate challenges, including livestock feed shortages, irrigation water access, and drought-tolerant crop varieties. IAR secured four of the eight successful Nigerian proposals, making it the sole institution in the country to receive multiple grants from the programme, which had 149 initial concept notes.
The funded projects will explore locally sourced livestock feed alternatives, solar-powered irrigation systems, and the adoption of drought-tolerant maize and resilient groundnut varieties. IAR Executive Director Prof. Ado A. Yusuf stated the grants reflect the institute's research strength and commitment to addressing farmers' challenges and contributing to national food security.