Despite the “underdeveloped” tag slapped at Nigerian agriculture, technology has dug its roots deep into the sector. This new trend has attracted interest from software developers, digital marketers, and blockchain experts, all vying for spots in the transformation. In 2022 alone, reports showed that Nigeria’s agrifoodtech sector attracted a total of $636 million in investments, a testament to global and local confidence in the potential of technological transformation.
However, with this rise comes a series of critical questions: Is this agritech revolution truly inclusive, and can it address the deep-rooted challenges Nigerian farmers face? The narrative around agritech is one of hope and progress, but let’s dig deeper. Let’s uncover both the pros and cons of Nigerian agritech.
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The Pros
Engaging youth in agriculture ranks high on the list of agritech’s transformative potential in Nigeria. As members of Gen-Z, young people bring a natural affinity for technology, coupled with a drive to tackle pressing challenges. Agritech offers a dynamic platform for these tech-savvy individuals to apply their skills in addressing agricultural issues.
In Nigeria, several young innovators are already making waves with tech-driven solutions in agriculture. Jacob Abiodun, founder of Coconoto, uses technology to enhance the coconut value chain, creating efficiency and reducing waste. Femi Adekoya of Integrated Aerial Precision brings drone technology into farming, helping farmers improve yields with precise, data-driven methods. Similarly, Onimisi Charles, founder of Nimsy Agro Solar Concept, provides solar-powered irrigation solutions that are game-changing for smallholder farmers in rural areas.
Others like Farmer Samson Ogbole, Kenneth Obayuwana, and Obinna Onyejeli are also leveraging technology to improve the sector. In a country where youth unemployment hovers around 50%, agritech not only creates a pathway for meaningful employment but also empowers young Nigerians to redefine the future of agriculture.
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Innovation and Technology Integration
Agritech fosters the integration of technology into traditional farming methods. With the teaming population and the increasing food demands in Nigeria, the need to speed up production and increase quality has never been more pressing. Moreover, since farming practices in Nigeria are predominantly traditional, it leaves a wide gap in tech integration begging to be filled.
Innovations like precision agriculture using data analytics, sensors, and drones optimise farming practices. Satellite technology, for example, livestock grazing, crop health monitoring, yield prediction, and informed decision-making.
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Financial Accessibility and Market Reach
One of the longstanding issues Nigerian farmers face is limited access to markets. Many farmers still sell their produce at local markets, where they are vulnerable to price fluctuations and middlemen. Agritech is changing that dynamic. Platforms like the SENCE Agric marketplace, Agenpo’s FarmSider, and Thrive Agric allow farmers to directly connect with buyers, ensuring fairer prices and reducing the dependency on intermediaries.
Beyond market access, financial inclusion is another area where agritech is making significant strides. Many Nigerian farmers operate in a cash-based economy, with little or no access to formal banking services. Through mobile banking solutions, agritech platforms have been providing farmers with tools to manage their finances better and access credit or insurance products. This financial empowerment, especially in a country where over 26% of the population is reported to be financially excluded, has been a breath of fresh air.
The Cons
Access to Technology
While agritech promises a brighter future, we cannot ignore the fact that many smallholder farmers—the backbone of Nigerian agriculture—are still left out of the loop. The reality is that many agritech solutions are built on the assumption of access to mobile phones, the internet, and a certain level of digital literacy. Unfortunately, these assumptions do not hold for a large portion of Nigeria’s farming population.
The majority of Nigerian farmers are based in rural areas, where internet penetration remains low, and the cost of mobile data is often prohibitive. Even when farmers can afford smartphones or basic tech tools, they may not have the digital literacy to fully leverage the technology at their disposal. Agritech is only as good as the reach it has, and right now, that reach is still limited for many smallholder farmers in Nigeria.
The Cost of High-Tech Solutions
Another challenge lies in the cost of many agritech innovations. Precision farming tools, drones, and smart irrigation systems are undoubtedly impressive, but they are often out of reach for the average Nigerian farmer. These solutions tend to cater to large-scale, commercial farmers who have the capital to invest in high-tech equipment.
For many smallholder farmers, even the most basic agritech tools come with upfront costs that can be overwhelming. And while there are programs aimed at providing affordable access, the reality is that many farmers are still priced out of these innovations. Agritech must address these cost barriers if it is to truly democratise farming in Nigeria.
Sustainability
Sustainability is another area where agritech in Nigeria faces challenges. While many of the technologies being introduced—such as smart irrigation and soil monitoring—claim to be environmentally friendly, there is a growing concern about the long-term impact of high-tech farming practices on Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystems.
In particular, some critics argue that a focus on maximising yields through tech could push Nigerian farming toward an industrial model that may not be sustainable in the long run. For agritech to be truly beneficial, it must go beyond short-term gains and focus on building resilience and sustainability into Nigeria’s agricultural systems.
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Where Does Agritech in Nigeria Go from Here?
The future of agritech in Nigeria is undoubtedly promising, but the path forward requires careful consideration. Agritech cannot simply be a one-size-fits-all solution; it must adapt to the unique challenges and realities of Nigeria’s diverse farming communities.
While the sector has made significant strides in improving productivity, financial inclusion, and youth engagement, more needs to be done to ensure that smallholder farmers are not left behind. This means expanding access to affordable technology, building the digital literacy of farmers, and ensuring that the agritech revolution benefits everyone—not just those who can afford it.
As Nigeria continues to embrace technology in agriculture, the question remains: Can agritech live up to its potential and truly transform Nigerian agriculture for the better? The answer lies not just in the technology itself but in how well we adapt it to meet the needs of all farmers, from the smallest smallholder to the largest commercial operation.
Conclusion
Agritech has the potential to reshape the future of Nigerian agriculture, offering farmers new ways to improve productivity, access markets, and gain financial inclusion. Yet, with all its promise, agritech also presents challenges, particularly for smallholder farmers who lack the resources to access high-tech solutions. As we move forward, agritech must remain inclusive, affordable, and sustainable, ensuring that no farmer is left behind in this agricultural revolution.
