Nigeria’s federal government has announced a new digital intervention aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural sector by developing an application to train farmers on modern farming practices and provide operational guidance. This initiative was revealed by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, during an interview where he addressed the issue of extension services for training farmers.
Addressing the Extension Worker Gap
Minister Abdullahi highlighted the significant disparity between the number of extension workers and farmers, which hinders the effective dissemination of agricultural knowledge. He stated, “We also realize that the ratio of extension workers to farmers is still something that many extension workers will not have the required information. Right now, we are currently working on an e-extension program. We are going to develop an app to be translated into the major languages so that farmers will be able to access [it] to guide their operation.”
Agritech Interventions
In addition to the federal government’s efforts, agritech startups in Nigeria are also stepping in to support farmers. ThriveAgric, for instance, has partnered with Acorn Rabobank to provide carbon credits to over 30,000 smallholder farmers for sustainable agroforestry practices, facilitating access to the global carbon market across nine states in Nigeria.
Moreover, in January 2024, Zebra CropBank, a Nigerian-based agritech company, secured funding to offer small-scale farmers relevant post-harvest solutions. The company aims to build integrated trading platforms and solar-powered micro-warehouses, enhancing storage and distribution efficiency.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s digital intervention for farmers, alongside agritech innovations and increased internet penetration, represents a comprehensive strategy to address the country’s agricultural challenges. By leveraging technology to improve farming practices and operational guidance, these initiatives aim to enhance food security and support the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
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