• Date: 13, Oct 2026 - 14, Oct 2026
• Venue: Rivers State University, Port Harcourt

Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economists (NAAE) 26th Annual Conference

The Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economists (NAAE) invites submissions for its 2026 Annual Conference under the theme "Harnessing Technological Innovation for Agricultural and Environmental Development". The conference will explore the transformative potential of innovations and digital technologies in enhancing Nigeria’s food systems to achieve sustainable food security, economic resilience, and agricultural growth.

Background:

The 26th Annual Conference is positioned to interrogate how technological advancement can be strategically deployed to accelerate agricultural transformation and environmental sustainability in Nigeria. In the face of climate change, environmental degradation, widening food insecurity, youth unemployment, and structural inefficiencies across agri-food value chains, incremental reforms are no longer sufficient. What is required is a systemic integration of digital technologies, innovation ecosystems, inclusive finance, and evidence-based policy to drive measurable impact.

The conference will critically examine how emerging technologies, institutional frameworks, and market systems can be aligned to strengthen productivity, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Deliberations will cover, but not be limited to:

• Digital and smart agricultural technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data analytics, precision farming, and innovation diffusion systems.
• Climate-smart agriculture, sustainable livestock and aquaculture systems, and green economy transitions.
• Circular economy models and waste-to-value innovations for resource efficiency.
• Agri-finance, fintech solutions, microfinance innovations, and inclusive market systems for smallholder farmers.
• Technology-enabled extension systems and knowledge dissemination platforms.
• Environmental governance, database policy, and regulatory frameworks for responsible innovation.
• Agri-tech entrepreneurship, youth engagement, and private sector investment ecosystems.
• Sustainable agronomic practices in emerging biotechnology contexts.
• Empirical case studies on technology-driven rural poverty reduction and environmental restoration.

Objectives:

The conference aims to:

• Examine the strategic role of technological innovation in driving agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and structural transformation.
• Interrogate policy, governance, and institutional mechanisms that enable responsible technology adoption and innovation scaling.
• Assess financial inclusion models, market integration strategies, and investment pathways for agri-tech development.
• Provide a credible platform for high-level knowledge exchange among academics, policymakers, development partners, private sector actors, and practitioners.
• Share empirical research findings, policy analyses, and implementation case studies that address emerging agricultural and environmental challenges.
• Strengthen collaborative networks that support evidencebased decision-making and sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria and beyond.

Members and non-members as well as experts and development partners within and outside Nigeria are invited to submit well researched papers under any of the sub-themes. Further details and other information are provided below. Please visit the conference website (https://naae.org.ng/conference2026) for paper submission and registration. Note that all paper submissions and conference registration must be started at the conference website using the appropriate registration buttons.

• Keynote Addresses by leading experts in agricultural innovation, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation.
• Plenary and Panel Sessions on digital agriculture, climatesmart systems, agri-finance, circular economy, and policy reform.
• Technical Paper Presentations featuring empirical research and policy-relevant studies.
• Networking and Partnership Engagements linking academia, industry, policymakers, and development partners.
• Conference Communiqué outlining strategic recommendations for agricultural and environmental advancement.

Conference Dates

• Pre-Conference Training/Workshops/Panel Sessions October 10th-12th, 2026
• Finals of Quiz Competition October 12th, 2026
• Arrival: October 12th, 2026
• Conference: October 13th – 14th, 2026
• Post-Conference Training/Workshops/Panel Sessions October 15th, 2026
• Departure: October 15th, 2026

Individuals and Groups can organise Trainings, Workshops, Panel Sessions, etc. Please contact the National Secretary on T&C in time.

Download details Register Now(members) Register Now(Non-Members)