Nigerian farmers turn to technology to boost crop yield

Nigeria is set to revolutionize its agriculture sector by adopting physical and digital technology to enhance the productivity of farmers. Onyeka Akumah, the co-founder and CEO of Farmcrowdy, shared insights on how technology is being leveraged to boost crop yields in the country. The government has recognized the importance of incorporating technology across farms to optimize production capabilities. One of the latest initiatives launched is Fingital, a platform designed to provide farmers with crucial data for informed decision-making. The focus of Fingital currently revolves around offering data to assist farmers in determining the ideal time for planting seeds and predicting weather patterns that could impact harvests. Akumah highlighted the significance of technological solutions in addressing various challenges faced by farmers throughout the agricultural value chain. Last year, the E-agric stakeholders meeting convened in Abuja, where industry players, including tech-based businesses like Farmcrowdy, brainstormed innovative ways to apply technology in agriculture. The discussions encompassed areas such as production, financing, logistics, and warehousing, all aimed at solving critical problems for farmers. The government's emphasis on utilizing technology to optimize agricultural processes is poised to drive significant advancements in the sector. Through platforms like Farmcrowdy, which specialize in offering financing and production support to farmers, the adoption of additional technologies is expected to further enhance production output and facilitate expansion opportunities for farmers. Despite the perception that rural farmers may not be tech-savvy, Akumah dispelled this myth by pointing out that the majority of small-scale farmers in Nigeria have access to mobile devices. These devices are instrumental in facilitating communication and data exchange, enabling farmers to leverage technology effectively. With over 88 million small-scale farmers occupying rural areas and a vast amount of arable farmland awaiting cultivation, the government's technology-driven initiatives are well-positioned to benefit these farmers. The integration of technology into the agricultural landscape holds immense potential for driving growth and efficiency across the sector. The utilization of drone technology, for instance, is empowering farmers to monitor their farms remotely and gather essential insights without physical presence. This innovative approach not only enhances productivity but also underscores the sustainability of technology-driven solutions in agriculture. As the country continues to explore cutting-edge technologies to optimize production, improve logistics, and streamline processes, the agriculture sector in Nigeria is on the brink of a transformative evolution that promises to reshape the industry landscape and drive sustainable growth in the long run.