The Federal Government has announced plans to integrate agriculture and tourism through agrotourism initiatives aimed at strengthening rural economies, creating jobs, improving food security and attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this at the International Agrotourism Investment Stakeholders’ Forum in Abuja.
The minister, represented by the Director of Agribusiness and Market Development, Mr Ayodele Olawumi, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform rural communities and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenues.
Government unveils Nigerian International Agrotourism Village
A key component of the initiative is the newly unveiled Nigerian International Agrotourism Village, located on a 40-hectare site at Karshi South in the Federal Capital Territory.
The project is designed as an integrated agricultural and tourism hub featuring climate-smart farming facilities, processing plants, eco-lodges, youth and women training centres, as well as cultural centres.
According to the government, the development is intended to position Nigeria as a leading destination for sustainable agrotourism while creating new opportunities across the agricultural and hospitality sectors.
The initiative also forms part of efforts to establish the World Agrotourism Organization (WAO) with its headquarters in Nigeria.
Another complementary project is the proposed World Agrotourism Centre in Obi Local Government Area of Benue State.
Investment incentives to support development
To facilitate investment in the sector, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is introducing incentives designed to attract private-sector participation.
The incentives include tax reliefs, simplified access to land and public-private partnership frameworks aimed at creating a more favourable environment for investors.
The government expects the combination of agricultural production, tourism, processing and hospitality to generate additional income opportunities for rural communities while strengthening value chains around locally produced goods.
Agrotourism projects to be replicated nationwide
Chairman of the Public-Private Partnership Cooperation at the World Agrotourism Organization, Prof. Edwin Ozuzu, and WAO President, Amb. Arc. Trust Henry Ogboi, expressed support for the initiative.
They said the national agrotourism project would be replicated across different states to establish integrated farm estates, research hubs and hospitality centres.
The projects are expected to create platforms where agricultural production can be combined with tourism, education, research and enterprise development.
The Federal Government believes that expanding agrotourism could provide new economic opportunities for rural communities while encouraging investment in agriculture, promoting sustainable farming practices and strengthening Nigeria’s food security.
The initiative also reflects a broader effort to diversify the economy by developing non-oil sectors capable of generating employment, attracting investment and supporting long-term economic growth.
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