Following its inaugural International Conference, the University of Calabar’s Faculty of Agriculture has called on stakeholders to innovate agricultural practices to tackle Nigeria’s food security challenges.

In a statement, UNICAL’s Faculty of Agriculture noted that the event held in Cross River State recently, themed  ‘Food Security Through Innovation: Bridging Technology with Traditional Farming,’ brought together agricultural experts, policymakers, students, and other stakeholders to deliberate sustainable solutions to feeding a growing population amidst climate and resource constraints.

The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Susana Ohem, hailed the conference as a milestone in advancing agricultural development, emphasising the need to merge cutting-edge technology with traditional farming practices to meet current and future food demands.

“As the global population grows and climate conditions evolve, the urgency to innovate while respecting the wisdom of traditional agricultural practices has never been greater,” Prof. Ohem said.

The Agric Faculty Dean revealed that the event received 68 research papers and sponsored four undergraduate students to present their work.

The institution hailed the research presentation sponsorships as an initiative showcasing its commitment to nurturing young talent, adding “Prof. Ohem announced that a total of 68 papers were submitted for the conference, with Dr. Aliyu Samalia acting as the lead presenter.

“The faculty dean highlighted the faculty’s aim to leverage the conference to build capacity among younger lecturers and students, providing them with the skills needed to succeed in both academic and practical agricultural pursuits.

“Notably, the faculty sponsored four undergraduate students to present papers, underscoring its commitment to nurturing young talent.”

The keynote speaker, Cross River State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development Johnson Ebokpo, underscored the critical role of food security in national development.

“Food is a fundamental human need, yet ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food remains one of the greatest challenges of our time,” Ebokpo stated.

He identified key barriers to food security, including population growth, climate change, and resource limitations, stressing the importance of blending traditional farming knowledge with innovative practices to ensure sustainable solutions.

“The theme of this conference reminds us that no single approach can solve food security. Combining innovation with traditional farming practices offers solutions that not only feed the growing population but also secure the planet for future generations,” he added.

The commissioner also lauded Cross River State’s efforts in promoting agricultural development through initiatives such as Project Grow, which supports private-sector-led agribusiness under the leadership of Senator Bassey Otu.

Further, the lead presenter, Dr Aliyu Samalia, highlighted the urgency of adopting efficient agricultural technologies, particularly as the country’s population is projected to double in the next 33 years.

“We must not only grow more food but also grow it more efficiently. This requires embracing appropriate technologies that bridge local and modern agricultural practices,” Samalia noted.

He encouraged students to view agriculture as a dynamic and rewarding profession, citing numerous opportunities for innovation and growth.