In over a decade of transforming agrifood systems across Africa, Chidozie Onyedikachi Anyiro has been demonstrating remarkable expertise, showcasing unparalleled skills in spearheading large-scale agricultural initiatives and managing projects worth over $2 billion.
As an Agriculture Economist at The World Bank’s Agriculture and Food Global Practice in Nigeria, Anyiro plays a pivotal role in steering multimillion-dollar programs aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s agribusiness potential. His scope of influence encompasses diverse areas such as livestock productivity, economic transformation, and social protection initiatives.
Anyiro, who holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Abia State University, and Masters in Agribusiness from Lincoln University, New Zealand, graduating with top honours, has seen his adeptness shining through his involvement in crafting reports and policy dialogues on agribusiness value chains, job creation, and poverty reduction. His close collaborations with government officials, development partners, and private sector stakeholders reinforce his impact in shaping agricultural policies.
Before his current role, he made significant contributions as a Consultant at the World Bank, diagnosing agricultural technologies and trade patterns in Nigeria and Rwanda. His work involved analysing policy environments hindering the growth of agribusinesses, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Similarly, his earlier tenure as a Teaching and Research Assistant at Abia State University highlighted his dedication to advancing agricultural research and disseminating innovations to bolster rural agricultural productivity. He also worked with research institutions in addressing post-harvest losses and deploying improved production technologies among rural farmers.
Chidozie’s professional affiliations include memberships in esteemed associations like the Farm Management Association of Nigeria and the Agricultural Society of Nigeria, underscoring his commitment to agricultural growth.
Beyond his professional commitments, Anyiro has received honours such as the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program and the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.
Furthermore, his extensive portfolio includes numerous publications, including peer-reviewed research papers and contributions to World Bank publications, all testament to his role in advancing knowledge on agricultural economics across Africa.
Anyiro’s journey from academia to economic development was driven by a strong research background, enabling him to bridge the gap between research findings and implementation.
His transition from academia to the World Bank was marked by recognition and fellowships, including presenting impactful research in Ethiopia and participating in the African Climate Change Fellowship Programme in Tanzania.
At the World Bank, his entry through the African Fellow program led to pivotal roles in supporting Nigeria and Rwanda. His dedication saw him take up significant consultancy projects and eventually transition back to Nigeria, driven by the desire to impact local communities.
In his current role as an Agriculture Economist in Abuja, he leads multimillion-dollar projects, that have included successful ventures like the APPEALS project, a $200 million World Bank initiative across six states, and the ongoing $500 million LPRES project in 20 states, aimed at enhancing livestock productivity and resilience.
Additionally, he manages cross-support for various projects in different departments, ensuring agricultural components are well-managed and leveraged for maximum impact.
The World Bank’s approach, guided by informed research and analysis, resonates with Anyiro’s background in research-driven decision-making, with his in-depth knowledge contributing to and shaping future projects based on facts, analyses, and deep-rooted research.
His expertise in conducting comprehensive research involves evaluating the impact of donor interventions, Gender and Poverty programs, identifying sector-specific problems, such as low productivity in agriculture, followed by data collection, analysis, and the formulation of recommendations.
However, challenges persist in Nigeria’s data systems, emphasising the critical importance of accurate, sector-specific data for informed decisions. But he says despite these challenges, Nigeria is making strides in strengthening data systems, evidenced by initiatives like linking the National Identification Number (NIN) with phone numbers, international passports, etc.
His work mirrors the World Bank’s approach, where informed research drives project development and implementation. He exemplifies how rigorous research translates into practical solutions, surmounting sectoral challenges and steering countries towards self-sufficiency in agriculture, and unleashing untapped potentials.
As Nigeria embarks on a $1 billion agriculture-focused project, Chidozie stands at the forefront, striving to unlock the country’s agribusiness prowess. With a steadfast focus on removing bottlenecks and implementing policy reforms, he aims to position Nigeria competitively, fostering sustainable agribusiness growth and reducing dependency on agricultural imports.
His commitment to maximising Nigeria’s agricultural potential echoes the sector’s pivotal role in the nation’s economy, underscoring the transformative power of well-informed research-backed initiatives.
