The Agricultural Policy Support Facility (APSF) is an initiative to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in Nigeria in the areas of rural and agricultural development. In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources and funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), APSF supports the implementation of Nigeria’s national development plans by strengthening agricultural-sector policies and strategies.

To improve the capacity and knowledge base for agricultural policymaking, APSF engages in research, capacity strengthening, and outreach with a broad range of agricultural-sector stakeholders on three major objectives:

1. Enhanced knowledge, information, data, and tools for the analysis, design, and implementation of pro-poor, gender-sensitive, and environmentally sustainable agricultural and rural development polices and strategies in Nigeria;
2. Strengthened capacity for government agencies, research institutions, and other stakeholders to carry out and use applied research that directly informs agricultural and rural polices and strategies; and
3. Improved communication linkages and consultations between policymakers, policy analysts, and policy beneficiaries on agricultural and rural development policy issues.

The APSF has two main program components:

1. Policy themes. Under this component, APSF conducts research on specific policy issues facing the agricultural sector:
   • Meeting development targets;
   • Attaining pro-poor, gender sensitive, and environmentally sustainable agricultural sector growth; and
   • Ensuring that vulnerable households benefit from agricultural and rural development.
2. The Rural Economy Knowledge Support System (REKSS). Through the REKSS component, APSF focuses on the more general strategic planning environment for delivering pro-poor, gender sensitive, and environmentally sustainable agricultural sector growth.

The design of the APSF project is based on the following principles:

• A Broad View of Agriculture
  APSF activities have their roots in the strategies and operations of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, with extensive links to agriculturally related policy processes within the National Planning Commission, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Federal Ministry of Women's Affairs and Social Development, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the private sector, agriculture associations, research groups, and other key stakeholders, in order to strengthen the policy environment for agricultural growth.
• Building Both Supply and Demand for Evidence in Policymaking
  APSF works to improve the supply of data and information through joint studies, capacity building efforts, and communications. At the same time, APSF engages with policymakers to understand their information needs.
• Building on Existing Capacities
  APSF seeks to form partnerships and networks with Nigerian individuals and institutions in research, private sector, civil society, and government to complement existing efforts.
• Ensuring Pro-poor Outcomes that Are Gender Sensitive and Environmentally Sustainable
  APSF seeks to improve understanding of agriculture's role in promoting Nigeria's economic growth, poverty reduction, gender equity, and environmental sustainability. The program has a particular focus on the constraints faced by agriculture in delivering these goals and the steps needed to address them, such as the levels and sequencing of investments, and lessons learned and best practices in implementation.

APSF carries out its activities with Nigerian collaborators through arrangements such as jointly funded projects with program-affiliated partners and research contracts.