A sensitization seminar was held at the 61st Annual General Meeting of the Association of Deans of Agriculture in Nigerian Universities (ADAN), at Uniben Faculty of Agriculture Multipurpose Cooperative Society Office, University of Benin, Benin-City on 5/7/2017.
The sensitization seminar was targeted at Deans of Agriculture. Background information of the collaborative work between ARCN and IFPRI-led ASTI conducting time series surveys within Nigeria National Agricultural Research System (NARS); and the status of the 2014 Factsheet, the Regional Synthesis Report, and the impact pilot study currently taking place in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania were presented. The objective of the seminar was to inform the Deans of their anticipatory role in generating qualitative data as well as timely return of questionnaires from their respective Faculty levels. The Association was also called to lend its voice in advocating for increased investment to agricultural research, including favourable policies from the policy makers as well as in communicating research results to the stakeholders in a way and manner they would comprehend. The presentation ignited lot of questions, discussions, and interest from the Deans, and the Association promised to cooperate fully by making quick responses during the current survey round within Nigeria NARS. They also showed interest in RUFORUM membership for private universities during this round of the survey.