The Federal Government has unveiled plans to develop flagship agritourism villages across Nigeria, combining modern agriculture, tourism and agro-processing to strengthen food security, create employment and attract investment.
The initiative was unveiled at the International Agritourism Investment Stakeholders’ Forum in Abuja, where government officials and stakeholders discussed how agritourism can become an important part of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.
Agriculture Meets Tourism
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said agritourism offers an opportunity to unlock the full potential of rural economies by bringing agriculture and tourism together.
Represented at the forum by the Director of Agribusiness and Market Development, Ayodele Olawumi, the minister said the initiative reflects the government’s determination to move from policy statements to practical implementation.
The forum’s theme — “From Policy to Implementation: Advancing Agritourism for Food Security, Job Creation, Global Investment for Economic Diversification and Sustained Growth” — highlights the multiple objectives attached to the programme.
40-Hectare Abuja Project
One of the immediate projects is the proposed Nigerian International Agritourism Village at Karshi South in the Federal Capital Territory.
The project is expected to combine agricultural production with tourism activities and agro-processing, creating an integrated destination where visitors can experience farming while businesses participate in agricultural value chains
The Federal Government believes similar projects can eventually be developed in other parts of the country, allowing states and rural communities to benefit from the economic opportunities associated with agritourism.
Creating Jobs and Investment
Beyond tourism, the initiative is being positioned as a tool for rural economic development.
Agritourism can generate income for farmers through accommodation, farm visits, recreational activities, food processing, local products and other services connected to agricultural communities.
The model could also provide opportunities for young Nigerians in areas such as hospitality, food processing, transportation, marketing, entertainment and agricultural technology.
For investors, integrating agriculture with tourism could create new opportunities across the value chain while helping rural communities develop alternative sources of income.
Supporting Food Security
The government also sees agritourism as part of the broader effort to improve Nigeria’s food security.
By encouraging investment in modern farming, processing and rural infrastructure, the initiative could strengthen agricultural production while reducing the economic vulnerability of farming communities.
However, the success of the programme will depend on effective implementation, infrastructure, access to finance, security and sustained participation from private investors and local communities.
If properly developed, Nigeria’s agritourism strategy could turn farms and rural communities into centres of production, tourism, employment and investment, creating a new dimension to the country’s agricultural economy.
