The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and its Multilateral System (MLS) of Access and Benefit-Sharing provide an important framework for conserving, accessing and sharing the plant genetic diversity that supports food and agriculture around the world.
For Nigeria, effective implementation of the Multilateral System can strengthen the country’s ability to conserve and make use of valuable plant genetic resources while supporting agricultural research, crop improvement and food security.
Strengthening Access to Plant Genetic Resources
Nigeria’s agricultural sector depends on a wide range of plant genetic resources. These resources provide the genetic foundation for developing crops that can respond to changing environmental conditions, pests, diseases and evolving nutritional needs.
The Multilateral System facilitates access to genetic resources for research, breeding and training while establishing mechanisms for the fair sharing of benefits arising from their use.
Full implementation in Nigeria requires coordinated action across several areas, including the accession and effective management of relevant plant genetic resources, supportive legislation, stronger genebank systems, protection of farmers’ rights and wider use of the Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA).
Supporting Genebanks and Farmers
National genebanks play a key role in conserving plant genetic resources and making them available for appropriate research and development purposes. Strengthening their infrastructure, technical capacity and data management systems will improve the country’s ability to conserve and provide access to these resources.
Farmers are equally important to the conservation of agricultural diversity. Over generations, farming communities have maintained and developed varieties adapted to local conditions. Recognising and protecting farmers’ rights is therefore an important component of effective management and sustainable use of plant genetic resources.
The use of the SMTA also provides a structured mechanism for facilitating access to genetic materials while establishing conditions for their use and benefit-sharing in accordance with the Treaty.
A Strategic Priority for Food Security
Implementation of the ITPGRFA and its Multilateral System should be viewed not only as a biodiversity policy issue, but also as an important component of Nigeria’s agricultural development strategy.
Greater access to diverse genetic resources can support crop improvement, strengthen adaptation to climate-related challenges and contribute to more resilient food systems. It can also create opportunities for research institutions, breeders and other stakeholders to develop agricultural solutions suited to Nigeria’s changing needs.
For these benefits to be fully realised, policymakers, research institutions, genebanks, farmers’ organisations and private sector partners need to work together to strengthen implementation.
Looking Ahead
Nigeria has valuable plant genetic resources that can contribute significantly to agricultural research, food security and sustainable development. Ensuring that these resources are properly conserved, documented, accessed and used will help protect their value for present and future generations.
Strengthening the implementation of the ITPGRFA and its Multilateral System is therefore an investment in Nigeria’s agricultural capacity and food future.
Policymakers, research institutions and private sector stakeholders are encouraged to give greater attention to the systems, policies and partnerships required to ensure effective implementation and equitable benefit-sharing.
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