The International Agricultural Academy of Specialty Crops (IAASC) Summit is set to take place virtually on August 30, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (WAT). This year’s summit, themed “Empowering Nigerian Farmers through the Specialty Crop Industry for the Implementation of the Self-Sustaining ‘Education to Job Creation’ Model for Re-Branding the Black Farmer for the 22nd Century,” will be streamed live via StreamYard on Zoom, as well as across all Cooperative Executive Management Team (CEMT) social media platforms including Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. The event will also be accessible through the official website at www.coopexecutives.com.
Host and Organizers
The summit will be hosted by Her Excellency Davisha L. Johnson, President of the Cooperative Executive Management Team (CEMT) and Founder of the International Agricultural Academy of Specialty Crops (IAASC). She is a prominent advocate for sustainable agriculture and economic development in Africa, with a vision to position Nigeria as a leading hub for the specialty crop industry. The event’s Master of Ceremonies will be Tama Monday Yari, President of the Great Minds Empire Africa Foundation and Community Engagement Lead for North Central Nigeria under the Office of the Senior Special Advisor to the President.
Background
Nigeria is recognized as a key player in the ECOWAS region’s economy, with vast agricultural potential. However, the agricultural sector faces several challenges, such as overreliance on imported food products, underutilization of indigenous crops, and limited innovation. These issues, compounded by climate change, economic instability, and regional security concerns, pose significant threats to food security and sustainable development.
Specialty crops—indigenous fruits, herbs, spices, and other unique agricultural products—present a promising solution to these challenges. These crops are well-suited to Nigeria’s diverse climates and offer substantial economic, health, and environmental benefits. The IAASC Summit aims to explore how the cultivation, processing, and commercialization of specialty crops can advance Nigeria’s economy, improve food security, and rebrand the nation’s agricultural sector on a global scale.
Objectives
The IAASC Summit aims to:
– Promote Awareness: Educate stakeholders about the economic and health benefits of specialty crops in Nigeria.
-Economic Empowerment: Discuss strategies to transform Nigeria into a hub for agricultural innovation, job creation, and foreign direct investment through the specialty crops sector.
– Address UN SDGs: Explore how specialty crops can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to ending hunger, poverty reduction, and promoting sustainable communities.
– Rebrand Agriculture: Position Nigerian agriculture, especially black farmers, as key players in the global market by focusing on the cultivation and export of specialty crops with support from the Nigerian Diaspora.
-Foster Collaboration: Engage Nigerian officials, agricultural stakeholders, and the diaspora in meaningful dialogue to create actionable strategies for the development of the specialty crops industry.
Target Audience
The summit is designed for a diverse audience, including Nigerian elected officials, agricultural stakeholders (farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, researchers), the Nigerian diaspora, development partners, NGOs focused on agriculture, food security, and economic development, investors interested in sustainable agricultural ventures, as well as youth and women who are key drivers of innovation in the agricultural sector.
Program Schedule
The summit will feature a robust program, including opening remarks from Nigerian elected officials, panel discussions on the role of academia, traditional medicine, youth job creation, and specialty crop certification, as well as keynotes from experts in agriculture and policy-making. Sessions will also address challenges and solutions for farmers entering new markets, the importance of cooperative farming, and the economic potential of specialty crops in Nigeria. The day will conclude with closing remarks from H.E. Davisha L. Johnson.
Expected Outcomes
The IAASC Summit is expected to:
– Increase Awareness: Enhance understanding of the benefits of specialty crops among stakeholders.
– Generate Policy Recommendations: Develop actionable strategies for policymakers to support the specialty crops sector.
– Encourage Collaborative Initiatives: Foster partnerships between Nigerian and international stakeholders.
– Launch Academy Enrollment: Announce the opening of online enrollment for the International Agricultural Academy of Specialty Crops, with classes commencing in January 2025 and a physical location planned for August 2025 in Nigeria.
Register to attend at: [IAASC Summit Registration](https://forms.gle/ARsQLtpHpkWbBrrC8)
