WAF Urges Investment in Modern Storage, Digital Agriculture to Curb Post-Harvest Losses
The World Agriculture Forum (WAF), Nigeria, has called for increased investment in agricultural technology, modern storage infrastructure and efficient food supply chains to minimise post-harvest losses and strengthen food security in Nigeria.
The Country Director of WAF Nigeria, Alexander Isong, made the appeal in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday to commemorate the 2026 World Food Day, celebrated annually on October 16. The theme for this year is “Building Resilient Food Systems for a Food-Secure Nigeria.”
Isong noted that Nigeria had the agricultural resources, workforce and market potential to emerge as a leading force in African agriculture. However, he stressed that unlocking these opportunities would require strategic investments and coordinated action across the agricultural value chain.
He called for a shift from an agricultural model focused largely on production to an integrated, commercially sustainable and technology-driven food system that links farming with storage, processing, transportation, distribution and market access.
According to him, boosting agricultural productivity requires farmers to have access to quality inputs, mechanisation, irrigation, climate-smart farming methods, extension services and affordable credit.
He identified poor storage and transportation facilities as major contributors to post-harvest losses, urging increased investment in pre-cooling technologies, cold rooms, refrigerated transportation and other modern preservation systems.
Isong explained that improved storage and preservation infrastructure would help maintain the quality of agricultural produce, extend its shelf life and reduce the volume of food lost before reaching consumers.
He also advocated stronger market linkages among farmers, processors, retailers, institutional buyers and export markets. He said structured trading arrangements, transparent market systems and effective quality assurance mechanisms would improve market access and strengthen the commercial viability of agricultural enterprises.
On agricultural financing, the WAF director called for greater mobilisation of private-sector capital towards viable agricultural projects. He further encouraged stakeholders to maximise existing financing mechanisms to reduce investment barriers without imposing excessive pressure on public resources.
Isong highlighted the growing role of technology in transforming agriculture, identifying digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, precision farming, blockchain-based traceability systems, renewable energy and advanced food-testing technologies as important tools for improving efficiency and competitiveness.
He also emphasised the need to expand opportunities for women and young people in agriculture, noting that their participation would help make the sector more attractive, profitable and adaptable to technological innovation.
On environmental sustainability, he stressed the importance of responsible land and water management, efficient energy use, sustainable farming practices and climate adaptation strategies in developing food systems capable of withstanding environmental and economic disruptions.
The WAF country director further called for stronger partnerships among federal and state governments, farmers’ organisations, financial institutions, technology providers, development agencies and private-sector operators to accelerate progress across the agricultural sector.
He said the WAF Nigeria Country Council was committed to facilitating stakeholder engagement, promoting practical agricultural solutions and advancing investment opportunities that would deliver tangible benefits to farmers, businesses and consumers.
“Through the WAF Nigeria Country Council, we are committed to facilitating dialogue, coordinating stakeholders, promoting practical agricultural solutions and advancing investment opportunities capable of delivering measurable benefits to farmers, businesses and consumers,” Isong stated.
He urged stakeholders to translate their commitments into practical interventions supported by clear targets, sustainable financing and measurable outcomes.
Isong maintained that achieving food security in Nigeria would require sustained political commitment, technological innovation, effective policy implementation and strategic partnerships capable of expanding successful agricultural initiatives.
The call underscores the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural infrastructure beyond the farm gate, particularly through improved storage, processing, logistics and market systems, to reduce food losses, increase farmers’ earnings and ensure a more reliable supply of food to consumers.
