University of Ilorin Professor Stresses Agricultural Innovation Risks and Gender Inclusivity
Professor Ayinde advocated for innovative financial solutions such as index-based insurance and stressed the importance of providing information and training for farmers. Access to information and training programs can empower farmers to make informed decisions, adopt best practices, and manage risks effectively.
AKACHI NOEL 
Professor Opeyemi Ayinde, a distinguished scholar in Agricultural Economics and Farm Management at the University of Ilorin, highlighted the significance of embracing risks in agricultural innovation while emphasizing the need for gender inclusivity. Delivering the 251st inaugural lecture titled "The Risk of Not Taking Risk in Agricultural Innovation and Gender Inclusivity," Professor Ayinde outlined crucial strategies for enhancing agricultural risk management and promoting substantial growth in Nigeria's agricultural sector.
Key recommendations from Professor Ayinde include the promotion of financial innovation and improved access to credit for small-scale farmers. By tailoring financial products to farmers' needs and facilitating access to agricultural credit, she believes farmers can better manage financial risks, invest in their operations, and enhance productivity.
Additionally, Professor Ayinde advocated for innovative financial solutions such as index-based insurance and stressed the importance of providing information and training for farmers. Access to information and training programs can empower farmers to make informed decisions, adopt best practices, and manage risks effectively.
Diversification of income sources emerged as a crucial risk management strategy, with Professor Ayinde suggesting that encouraging farmers to diversify their investments in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors can reduce the impact of individual risk factors.
Recognizing the role of social networks, Ayinde recommended establishing and supporting social groups connecting farmers with researchers. Such networks could accelerate the dissemination of vital information and promote innovation adoption in agriculture.
Gender-inclusive agricultural research was another focal point. Professor Ayinde emphasized the necessity of involving both male and female farmers in selecting and developing agricultural innovations to ensure equitable access to resources and technology. Empowering women in agriculture and improving their decision-making roles were highlighted as essential steps for achieving self-sufficiency in crop production.
Awareness about climate change risks and the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties were emphasized to stabilize farmers' incomes, particularly in regions prone to climate-related risks.
Lastly, a comprehensive policy on agricultural surplus management was deemed necessary to maintain low inflation rates and stabilize the country's economy. Professor Ayinde underscored the importance of effective governance systems that promote transparency, accountability, and resilience within the agricultural sector.
The inaugural lecture emphasized the urgency of prioritizing agricultural risk management and gender inclusivity in Nigeria, foreseeing these strategies as catalysts for substantial growth, increased productivity, and resilience to market fluctuations in the agricultural sector.
