08/30/2024
1. Background
Nigeria, with its vast agricultural potential, stands as a crucial player in the ECOWAS region's
economy. Despite this, the agricultural sector faces significant challenges, including
overreliance on imported food products, underutilization of indigenous crops, and limited
agricultural innovation. These issues, coupled with regional instability, climate change, and
economic volatility, threaten food security and sustainable development.
Specialty cropsβsuch as indigenous fruits, herbs, spices, and other unique agricultural
productsβoffer immense potential to address these challenges. These crops are not only
suited to Nigeria's diverse regional climates but also hold significant economic, health, and
environmental benefits. The cultivation, processing, and commercialization of specialty crops
can play a critical role in advancing Nigeria's economy, enhancing food security, and improving
public health. Thereby, making Nigeria the model of the ECOWAS Region for Specialty Crop
Industrialization and the βEducation to Job Creationβ self-sustaining economic model
developed by CEMT Founder, H.E. Davisha L Johnson.
2. Objectives
The Specialty Crops Summit aims to:
1. Promote Awareness: Desensitize and educate stakeholders in Nigeria on the economic
and health benefits of specialty crops.
2. Economic Empowerment: Explore ways to transform Nigeria into a hub for agricultural
innovation, job creation, and foreign direct investment, particularly through the specialty
crops sector.
3. Address UNSDGs: Discuss how specialty crops can contribute to achieving the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to ending hunger, poverty
reduction, and promoting sustainable communities.
4. Rebrand Agriculture: Position the Nigerian agricultural sector, particularly the black
farmer, as a key player in the global market by focusing on the cultivation and export of
specialty crops with the Nigerian Diaspora.
5. Foster Collaboration: Engage Nigerian officials, agricultural stakeholders, and the
diaspora in meaningful dialogue to create actionable strategies for the development of
the specialty crops industry.
3. Target Audience
The IAASC Summit is designed for:
ο· Nigerian Elected Officials: To encourage policy support and investment in specialty
crops.
ο· Agricultural Stakeholders: Including farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, and
researchers.
ο· Nigerian Diaspora: Particularly those involved in agriculture or food industries abroad.
ο· Development Partners and NGOs: Focused on agriculture, food security, and economic
development.
ο· Investors: Interested in sustainable agricultural ventures in Nigeria.
ο· Youth and Women: As key drivers for innovation and labor in the agricultural sector.
