In a bid to improve farming practices and address the country’s ongoing food crisis, the Nigerian Federal Government has announced plans to develop a web application aimed at training farmers across the nation. This innovative approach comes as a response to the critical shortage of agricultural extension workers in the country.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, revealed the initiative during a recent television interview. The proposed app will provide farmers with up-to-date guidelines and best practices in multiple Nigerian languages, making vital agricultural information more accessible than ever before.
“We’re currently working on an e-extension program. This app will bridge the gap created by the low ratio of extension workers to farmers, ensuring that crucial information reaches those who need it most,” Abdullahi stated.
The digital intervention comes at a crucial time, with Nigeria facing severe food inflation, which reached 40.87% in June 2024. The International Rescue Committee projects that 32 million Nigerians may face a severe food crisis between June and August 2024.
While the government’s recent decision to allow duty-free importation of certain food items has sparked controversy, this long-term digital solution aims to empower local farmers and boost domestic production.
The move aligns with other tech-driven agricultural initiatives in the private sector. Nigerian agritech startups like ThriveAgric and Zebra CropBank are already leveraging technology to support smallholder farmers and improve post-harvest practices.
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With Internet penetration in Nigeria expected to reach 48% by 2027, the government’s ‘Project 774 LG Connectivity’ initiative is set to further improve digital access across the country, potentially enhancing the reach and impact of the upcoming farming app.
As Nigeria grapples with food security challenges, this digital approach signals a shift towards more sustainable, tech-driven solutions in the agricultural sector.