Nigeria is an agricultural nation with a vast arable land and favourable climate for farming. However, the sector has been facing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, low productivity, and low access to credit. Fortunately, technology is transforming the sector in many ways.
Precision Farming
Precision farming presents an opportunity for farmers to optimize crop yield and reduce waste. Tools like, CropX (https://www.cropx.com) offers soil sensors, data analysis, and irrigation management tools to help farmers optimize their water usage and improve crop yields.
Trimble (https://www.trimble.com) offers a range of tools, including GPS-guided tractors, automated steering systems, and variable rate application technology to help farmers make informed decisions and increase their efficiency.
John Deere (https://www.deere.com/en/technology-products/precision-ag-technology) offers precision farming technology such as soil sensors, seed planting tools, and yield monitoring systems to help farmers make informed decisions about their crops.
Mobile Technology
Mobile technology presents an opportunity for farmers to access critical information on weather patterns, market prices, and new farming techniques.
AgroCenta (https://agrocenta.com) is a mobile platform that allows farmers to connect directly with buyers and access market information to help them make informed decisions about their products.
Agro-Processing
Agro-processing presents an opportunity for farmers to transform raw agricultural products into value-added products such as flour, oil, and beverages. Dangote Group is involved in the agro-processing of several crops, including rice, wheat, sugar, and tomatoes.
Nestlé is a global food and beverage company that is involved in the agro-processing of several crops, including coffee, cocoa, and milk.
PZ Wilmar (https://pzwilmar.com) is also another Nigerian company that is involved in the agro-processing of several crops, including oil palm, soybean, and sesame.
E-Extension Services
E-extension services present an opportunity for farmers to improve their knowledge and skills, leading to increased productivity and profitability.
Digital Green (https://www.digitalgreen.org) uses technology to provide extension services to smallholder farmers, including videos and interactive voice response tools.
Access Agriculture (https://www.accessagriculture.org) provides training videos on sustainable agriculture practices to farmers in developing countries. Grameen Foundation provides digital extension services to farmers in several countries, including tools for soil testing, pest management, and crop monitoring.
Final words
There are many organizations that are working to support the transformation of agriculture in Nigeria through technology.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – Nigeria (https://www.fao.org/nigeria/en/) provides information on agriculture in Nigeria, including statistics, news, and reports.
- The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (https://www.iita.org) focuses on research and development for agriculture in Africa, with a particular emphasis on smallholder farmers.
- The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) (https://www.ifpri.org) is a global research organization that focuses on reducing poverty, hunger, and malnutrition through sustainable agricultural practices.
- The Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) (https://armti.gov.ng) is a Nigerian-based organization that provides training and capacity building programs for smallholder farmers, rural entrepreneurs, and agricultural professionals.
Technology is playing a crucial role in transforming agriculture in Nigeria. By using digital tools such as precision farming, mobile technology, digital financial services, agro-processing, and e-extension services, farmers in Nigeria can increase their productivity, access markets, and improve their livelihoods. With the continued support of the government and private sector, technology can help to unlock the full potential of agriculture in Nigeria, benefiting smallholder farmers across the country.
