Advancing Agricultural Policy Through Research

APRNet -bthe Agricultural Policy Research Network — is Nigeria’s foremost independent network of agricultural researchers and policy experts. Established in 2009 and facilitated by IFPRI under the CIDA-funded Agricultural Policy Support Facility, APRNet exists to facilitate the conduct, communication and utilisation of research results in agriculture and rural development in Nigeria.

Our core programmes include policy research and analysis, capacity building, policy dialogue and advocacy, and public enlightenment — all aimed at promoting evidence-based agricultural governance.

APRNet membership is open to researchers, agricultural economists, policymakers, development practitioners, civil society representatives and private sector actors with an interest in agricultural policy and rural development in Nigeria.

To apply, visit the Membership section of our website or contact the APRNet Secretariat at aprnetoffice@gmail.com. Our network currently has over 215 members drawn from universities, research institutes, NGOs and government agencies nationwide.

NAPReJ is APRNet’s flagship peer-reviewed academic journal, dedicated to publishing original research on agricultural policy, rural development, food security and agri-economics in Nigeria. Now in its 12th volume, NAPReJ provides Nigerian agricultural researchers with a credible, indexed platform to publish work that directly informs policy.

Articles cover topics including smallholder livelihoods, value chains, aquaculture, digital finance for farmers, and institutional governance. Submissions are welcome from APRNet members and the broader research community.

APRNet’s Annual Policy Research Seminar is the network’s flagship convening event, bringing together researchers, policymakers, civil society and development partners to present and peer-review agricultural policy research findings. Over 11 seminars have been held since 2009.

The seminar serves as a structured peer review forum for members — particularly early-career researchers — and feeds directly into APRNet’s policy brief production and stakeholder forum agenda. It is a key mechanism for linking research with policy.

APRNet actively welcomes partnerships with academic institutions, donor organisations, government agencies, international development bodies and the private sector. Past and current partners include IFPRI, CIDA/GAC, ARCN, NAAE, the EU CREATE-GreenAfrica programme, and the Mastercard Foundation’s TAGDev 2.0 initiative.

Partnership opportunities include co-funding research projects, sponsoring the annual seminar or NAPReJ journal, commissioning policy briefs, or providing grants for capacity building programmes. Contact the Secretariat at aprnetoffice@gmail.com to explore options.

The National Multi-Stakeholders’ Forum is APRNet’s highest-level policy dialogue event, convening researchers, government officials (including federal ministry representatives), private sector actors, civil society organisations and development partners to deliberate on critical agricultural policy issues.

Six forums have been held to date, covering topics such as rice production policy, food security, and stakeholder roles in agricultural development. Attendance is open to APRNet members and invited institutional delegates. Forum outcomes are documented as policy communiqués submitted to relevant government bodies.