The Federal Government is pursuing plans to integrate agriculture and tourism as part of efforts to strengthen rural economies, create employment, improve food security and attract both foreign and domestic investment.

The initiative was disclosed at the International Agrotourism Investment Stakeholders’ Forum in Abuja by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who was represented at the event by the Director of Agribusiness and Market Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawumi.

According to the minister, the policy forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is intended to transform rural communities while reducing Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenues.

A major component of the plan is the newly unveiled Nigerian International Agrotourism Village, located on 40 hectares of land in Karshi South, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The project is planned as an integrated destination combining climate-smart agricultural activities with processing plants, eco-lodges, training institutes for young people and women, as well as cultural centres.

Through the development, the government aims to position Nigeria as a leader in sustainable agritourism. The project is also expected to provide a foundation for establishing the World Agrotourism Organization with its headquarters in Nigeria.

The agrotourism initiative is complemented by other proposed developments, including the World Agrotourism Centre in Obi Local Government Area of Benue State.

To facilitate implementation, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is introducing investment incentives for the sector. These measures include tax breaks, easier access to land and public-private partnership frameworks.

Chairman of Public-Private Partnership Cooperation at the World Agritourism Organization, Prof. Edwin Ozuzu, and the President of the World Agrotourism Organization, Amb. Arc. Trust Henry Ogboi, also expressed support for the national project.

They affirmed that the initiative will be replicated in different states across Nigeria. The expansion is expected to include integrated farm estates, research hubs and hospitality centres aimed at supporting long-term economic growth.

Source: msme Africa online.