Based on the activities of the Academy of Innovative Research, Science & Technological Development (AcIRSTD), the thematic area of Agriculture and Food Security focuses on leveraging research, promoting sustainable farming, biotechnology, and agricultural research, innovation, and technology to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience. Core pillars include boosting productivity along the value chain, reducing post-harvest losses, strengthening food safety, empowering smallholder farmers, and increasing access to finance for agricultural transformation. Key strategic priorities include: 

Key strategies under this thematic area include:

• Research and Development (R&D) – The Academy foster research on high-yield, drought-resistant crops, and sustainable agricultural techniques, including underutilized grains.

• Natural Resource Management – Sustainable land, water, and ecosystem management, including agroforestry and biodiversity conservation.

• Sustainable & Inclusive Food Systems – Enhancing productivity through sustainable practices, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving market access.

• Modern Agricultural Technology Adoption – Promoting the use of precision agriculture, mechanization, and advanced technologies to increase the productivity of smallholder farmers.

• Policy, Governance, and Gender – Strengthening agricultural policies, enhancing land tenure security, and promoting gender-sensitive, youth-inclusive initiatives.

• Nutritional Security – Promoting diverse, healthy, and safe diets, particularly for vulnerable populations, and addressing malnutrition.

• Strengthening Agricultural Value Chains – AcIRSTD focuses on market-oriented agriculture and enhancing the value of crops, livestock, and fisheries to enhance competitiveness.

• Food and Nutrition Security – The Academy develops nutrient-sensitive agriculture and ensuring that food production systems meet the nutritional needs of the population.

• Climate-Smart Agriculture – Developing and promoting resilient agricultural innovations to mitigate the effects of climate change on food production.

• Climate-Resilient Agriculture – Implementing climate-smart techniques, improving water management (irrigation), and strengthening early warning systems.

• Investment and Finance – Increasing investment in agricultural research, digital technology, and rural infrastructure

• Post-Harvest Loss Reduction – The Academy researches, and develops, and deploys technologies to reduce post-harvest losses, improving food quality, and strengthening value chains.

• Capacity Building – AcIRSTD trains agricultural extension agents and farmers in modern techniques to improve income and food security.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration – The Academy bridges the gap between scientific researchers, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders to accelerate technology transfer and commercialization.

Strategic Objective

The overarching goal is to transform agriculture into a sustainable business, thereby creating wealth, reducing unemployment, and ensuring food stability