Most Nigerian farmers, like many other smallholders in developing nations, don’t require complex technology to be productive. In fact, they can’t even afford them in the first place. Many of these tools are simply expensive, and many farmers lack both digital access and the training required to use them.
The reality is that instead of high-tech solutions like AI or drones, farmers here need simple physical tools that support them across production and harvest. These are built to match local needs and help reduce labour without draining their pockets.
So, what are these innovations and how can they help? Here are 10 low-cost farming innovations every Nigerian farmer should know.
10 Small-Scale Farming Innovations Nigerian Farmers Should Know
Several tools are already improving how smallholders work across Africa. These tools are simple and built for farms where big machines are not an option. They are:
1. Hand Tractors for Land Preparation
Image Source: Adobe
This is a two-wheeled machine powered by a small petrol or diesel engine, usually between 5 and 18 horsepower. It works best for farmers who need to prepare one to two hectares quickly and cannot access bigger tractors. For most Nigerian smallholders, it offers a low-cost way to manage land without hiring extra hands.
Download the Ebook now
Hand tractors are easier to maintain, don’t require trained mechanics, and handle steep or uneven land that bigger tractors can’t reach. A single person can cover a hectare in one day. However, compared to bigger Tractors, the tillage depth is lower, and they may struggle on clay soil or hard pans.
2. Mechanised Weeding Tools
Power weeders help farmers control weeds by reducing manual labour. They use secondary tillage to remove the need for hand weeding. There are two main types for different weeding needs: the first is a backpack type, worn and operated by hand to cut weeds and bury them in shallow soil, while the second is a small machine that moves between crop rows.
These tools reduce time spent on the field and keep weeds in check in place of herbicides. But if the land has many stones or clumps, the blades can get blocked and need to be cleared before use continues.
3. Power Sprayers for Agrochemical Use
Power sprayers help farmers apply herbicides and liquid fertiliser with less effort. Worn on the back and powered by a small engine, they spray through a hose and cover large areas quickly. This saves both time and labour.
They also use less chemicals but still reach more crop surfaces, thanks to the fine mist. According to the report by the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), most units cost between $200 and $300. This is within reach for those who want better results without hiring extra hands.
4. Land Augers for Faster Hole Digging
A land auger drills holes in the ground faster than any manual tool. It uses a spinning blade powered by a small engine. Farmers use it for planting tree crops, setting up fence posts, or digging holes for drip systems.
Unlike a shovel, it gives even holes with less effort. It also saves time during land prep. One person can dig dozens of uniform holes in a day. This tool is handy for orchard farmers or anyone working with rows. Most models are light, and farmers can move them from spot to spot without stress.
5. Drip Irrigation for Better Water Control
Drip irrigation sends water straight to the base of plants through small pipes or tubes. It uses low pressure to give crops just enough water. Nothing gets wasted, and the soil stays moist for longer periods.
This setup works well in dry areas or places where water is hard to get. Farmers who grow vegetables, fruits, or herbs often prefer it. It also reduces weed growth, since water only reaches target spots. Once installed, farmers don’t need to move hoses or spray water by hand.
6. Water Guns for Large Field Irrigation
A water gun sprays water over wide fields from one fixed spot. It stands tall on a tripod and sends water out in a large circle. It works best for grains or vegetables that grow in open land.
Farmers can shift it between points, so one device covers many sections. It also works with pipes or tanks that hold water. Those who depend on rainfall can now plan better by using this tool during dry spells. It cuts water waste and gives more control during critical growth stages.
7. Multi-Threshers for Faster Grain Separation
Farmers often spend hours separating grain from stalk by hand. Threshers solve this with power-driven speed. These machines cleanly remove grain from crops like maize, rice, sorghum, millet, sunflower, and pigeon pea.
Each thresher comes with screen options that match specific crops. Compared to hitting bundles with sticks, done by women, these mechanical threshers do more in less time and with less damage. One small unit can process several times the output of manual work in an hour.
8. Forage Choppers for Livestock Feed Prep
Crop waste like stalks and leaves often ends up unused because cutting it by hand takes too long. Forage choppers fix that problem. These motorised tools shred crop residues into smaller, usable bits for animal feed or mulch.
Farmers can use them to recover leftover stover from large fields. One chopper handles up to 1.5 tons of organic waste in an hour, saving both time and energy. Instead of leaving stalks to rot or burn, farmers can turn them into feed during dry periods. Choppers also help in soil conservation by producing mulch, which keeps moisture in and improves soil texture.
9. USSD and IVR Systems for Farming Support
In many rural areas, farmers lack access to reliable farming advice. USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) helps bridge this gap by delivering market prices, weather updates, and tips through any basic phone. It works like a simple extension service without needing internet access.
In Nigeria, one extension agent serves about 10,000 farmers, far above the ideal ratio of 1 to 10–50. This shortage lowers productivity and increases pest and disease risks.
To help fix this, Crop2Cash launched the National Hotline for Agriculture in July 2024. Farmers can call a toll-free number and use an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system in their local language. The system gives custom advice on crop care, weather, and pest control, using data from the Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture, the Meteorological Agency, and the FAO. It offers smallholders fair access to expert support, all without internet or smartphones.
10. Mini Harvester for Faster Crop Collection
Mini harvesters make cutting and collecting crops like rice and maize faster and easier. They reduce the need for hired labour and help farmers finish harvests quickly. Mini harvesters can boost productivity and reduce post-harvest losses at a cost smallholders can afford to adopt.
Wrap Up
Nigerian farmers don’t need costly, complex machines to boost productivity. These 10 low-cost tools and innovations offer affordable ways to reduce labour and improve yields. Using what’s within reach would help the farmers to work smarter and grow stronger every season