Nigeria has significant potential for successful tech-based farming, but there are challenges and opportunities to consider. The country’s agricultural sector presents numerous opportunities, fuelled by a large population of over 200 million people. This demographic creates a substantial internal market for food and agricultural products, especially staple foods like cassava, maize, yams, and rice.
Additionally, Nigeria’s large population provides an abundant and cost-effective labour force for large-scale farming, enabling the mass production of cash crops such as cocoa, oil palm, and cashews, which are highly sought after in international markets. With the right policies and support, the adoption of tech-based farming could lead to substantial growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Is Nigeria ready for tech-based farming? Keep reading to find out.
Current State of Agriculture in Nigeria
Nigeria has a total of 80 million hectares of agricultural land, but only 30 million hectares are currently being cultivated. This leaves an unutilised potential of almost 60 percent.
The country’s vast arable land offers opportunities for job creation through smallholder farming, commercial agriculture, processing, and the management of storage facilities. By investing in local production of key staples such as rice, wheat, and poultry, Nigeria can reduce its reliance on imports.
Currently, Nigeria spends about $10 billion on imports to meet its food and agricultural production shortfalls, primarily in wheat, rice, poultry, fish, food services, and consumer-oriented foods. Major sources of these imports include Europe, Asia, the United States, South America, and South Africa.
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This heavy reliance on imports has reduced the sector’s ability to contribute significantly to the Nation’s GDP. Between January and March 2021, the agricultural sector contributed only 22.35 percent to the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite over 70 percent of Nigerians engaging in agriculture, the sector’s stagnant growth is attributed to low productivity, high costs of inputs, and increasing post-harvest losses due to poor logistics and insecurity.
According to the International Trade Administration, agricultural growth in Nigeria was only 1.3% in the third quarter of 2022. Other challenges plaguing the agricultural sector include outdated technology, an ineffective land tenure system, low levels of irrigation farming, climate change, land degradation, and poor access to markets. These factors have constrained agricultural productivity, impacting the sector’s contribution to the GDP and led to a rise in food imports. This has resulted in declining levels of food sufficiency. For instance, between 2016 and 2019, Nigeria’s total agricultural imports amounted to N3.35 trillion, which was four times higher than agricultural exports during the same period.
Tech-based farming presents a viable solution to these issues. It aims to increase agricultural productivity, ensuring sufficient food supplies to meet domestic demand while also providing surplus commodity crops for export.
Technologies Shaping The Global Agricultural Sector
There are 3 major umbrella tech-based farming techniques making waves in the agricultural sector. They include:
1. Precision Farming
Precision farming, also known as smart farming, emerged from the need to track and manage all inputs in crop production more efficiently. The pursuit of precision agriculture and its associated technologies has led to the development of new farming methods and tools.
The breakthrough technology behind this agricultural revolution is the Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS). GPS allows farmers to identify deviations within specific production areas, enabling more effective use of available resources. This capability has been a major factor in the rise of sustainable agriculture and various automation options.
2. Connected Farming
The transition from smart farming to connected farming demonstrates how quickly agricultural production technology has advanced in recent years. Technologies such as autonomous machines, sensor-equipped robots, augmented reality, the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and satellites are all integral to the concept of connected farming.
Decision-making in agriculture is now largely based on data stored in the cloud and accessed through digital tools. With this analysed data, farmers and other key players in the agricultural sector can make more informed decisions. All developments in agricultural technology are becoming more integrated and networked, aiming to optimise every stage of the production process while enhancing monitoring, management, and control.
3. Digital Farming
Digital agriculture refers to the next generation of farming methods and tools designed to maximise crop yields and other agricultural outcomes. One of the key technologies in this area is 5G, which is rapidly developing and will enhance the reach and accessibility of modern agricultural technologies worldwide.
While agricultural producers have limited control over weather, pests, and diseases, digital technologies can help mitigate their negative impacts. Additionally, these technologies enable farmers to significantly enhance their decision-making efficiency and optimise their controllable factors.
The most valuable tools and technologies in digital agriculture, providing competitive advantages, include advanced farm management software, high-resolution satellite imagery, proximal sensors, connectivity tools, and data-driven algorithms for predicting threats.
The Role of Tech-Based Farming in Transforming the Agricultural Landscape in Nigeria
The growing human population in Nigeria has led to an increased demand for food and shelter, putting pressure on arable lands across the country.
The resulting impact is evident in pollution, soil degradation, declining wildlife populations, and human-induced changes to flora and fauna. It is reasonable to assume that human population growth will persist, leading to greater demands on agricultural ecosystems. Therefore, technology has played and will continue to play a crucial role in transforming the sector towards sustainable development.
The Nigerian government has also enacted policies to promote technological advancements in agriculture. Initiatives like the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) offer farmers access to financial services, insurance, and technical support. This assistance equips farmers with the necessary resources to adopt modern technologies and improve their efficiency.
Agri-tech innovations, such as mobile applications, digital platforms, and precision agriculture tools, provide farmers with better access to market information, weather forecasts, and farming techniques. These advancements enable farmers to make informed decisions, optimise resource use, and enhance productivity.
Potential Benefits of Tech-Based Farming in Nigeria
There are several benefits farmers stand to gain if they adopt tech-based farming. They include:
+ Lowered Operational Costs: Implementing tech-based farming can lead to significant cost savings for farmers. Technology-based farming techniques streamline operations such as planting, irrigation, and harvesting, enhancing overall efficiency.
+ Increased Yields: By harnessing the power of AI and IoT, farmers can make informed decisions based on real-time data. This enables them to optimise processes and safeguard crop health, which can contribute to higher yields.
+ Improved Accuracy and Financial Forecasting: Smart farming technologies can collect and analyse vast amounts of data, providing farmers with valuable insights into their operations. Real-time updates on farming activities, along with mapping, visual records, and crop insights, allow farmers to better manage their daily, weekly, monthly, and annual schedules and budgets.
+ Sustainability: As consumers become increasingly concerned about sustainability, agribusiness retailers are responding to the demand for transparency. By adopting strategic tech-based farming practices, farmers can meet these expectations without compromising profitability. These technologies promote the efficient use of resources and contribute to reduced carbon emissions, supporting a more sustainable agricultural model.
Challenges to Tech-Based Farming Adoption in Nigeria
While there are significant benefits to tech-based farming for farmers in Nigeria, several challenges make it difficult for them to adopt these technologies. These challenges include:
+ Limited Access to Technology: A primary hurdle in Nigerian agriculture is the limited access many farmers have to modern technology. Many lack basic tools, such as smartphones or computers, which hinders their ability to take advantage of technological advancements.
+ Lack of Infrastructure: Insufficient infrastructure, including unreliable power supply and poor internet connectivity in rural areas, restricts the adoption and utilisation of farming technology. This lack of infrastructure hampers real-time data collection, access to market information, and communication between farmers and stakeholders.
+ Low Digital Literacy: There is a significant gap in digital literacy among farmers, making it challenging for them to understand, adopt, and fully benefit from technological solutions. Without proper training and education, the potential of these innovations remains largely untapped.
+ Regulatory Barriers: Potential regulatory hurdles and lack of favourable public policies on the use of technology in Nigeria have also hindered the adoption of tech-based farming practices, adding another layer of difficulty for farmers seeking to modernise their operations.
These challenges collectively pose a significant obstacle to the widespread adoption of technology in Nigerian agriculture.
However, I firmly believe that Nigeria is well-positioned for tech-based farming and possesses ample opportunities to fully integrate technology to boost its agricultural sector.
Opportunities for Tech-Based Farming in Nigeria
Some potentials indicating that Nigeria is ready for tech-based farming include:
1. Government Initiatives
The Nigerian government recognises the immense potential of agri-tech and innovation to transform the agriculture sector. To foster this change, it has launched several initiatives, including the establishment of innovation hubs and research centres across the country. These hubs act as incubators for agri-tech startups, providing essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them thrive. Additionally, the government has introduced funding schemes tailored specifically for agri-tech startups, aiming to provide financial support and access to capital, thus enabling entrepreneurs to develop and scale their innovative solutions.
2. Supportive Policies and Regulations
In addition to these initiatives, the Nigerian government has implemented supportive policies and regulations to encourage investment and collaboration in agriculture. One notable policy is the Agricultural Promotion Policy (2016-2020), which focuses on achieving self-sufficiency and diversification in the sector. This policy offers a roadmap for promoting agri-tech and innovation by emphasising the adoption of modern technologies and practices. The government has also instituted favourable tax incentives and waivers for agri-tech startups.
3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Public-private partnerships play a crucial role in advancing agri-tech and innovation in Nigeria. These collaborations bring together the expertise and resources of both the government and the private sector. PPPs facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and access to markets. By working with the government, agri-tech startups gain credibility and support, while the government benefits from innovative solutions and economic growth in agriculture. Moreover, PPPs help create an enabling environment for agri-tech startups through joint initiatives, such as specialised training programs, mentorship networks, and marketing platforms. With the involvement of both public and private entities, Nigeria’s agricultural sector can harness technology and innovation to overcome challenges like low productivity, post-harvest losses, and inadequate access to markets.
4. Mobile Technology and Knowledge-Sharing Platforms
Nigeria has witnessed a significant surge in mobile phone usage, even in rural areas. By leveraging mobile technology, farmers can access vital information, including market prices, weather forecasts, and banking services. Digital platforms and applications can also facilitate knowledge sharing among farmers, extension services, and agricultural experts. These platforms can disseminate best practices, market insights, and effective techniques, levelling the playing field for farmers across different regions.
Conclusion
The challenges facing tech-based farming in Nigeria are significant, but not insurmountable. Nigeria has the potential to fully embrace tech-based farming, driven by government initiatives, supportive policies, public-private partnerships, and advances in mobile technology. Together, these elements can revolutionise agriculture and address its existing challenges.
Embracing these opportunities and overcoming the challenges will pave the way for a more sustainable and technologically advanced agriculture sector in Nigeria.