Farmers in Nigeria are utilizing artificial intelligence to improve agricultural productivity, with notable increases in yields and reduced operational stress. Despite the potential benefits of agri-tech, challenges such as climate change, urban migration, and limited internet access pose significant obstacles to sustainable agricultural practices in the country.
In Nigeria, farmers like Dandam Nangor, a 34-year-old IT analyst, are harnessing artificial intelligence to revolutionize agricultural practices. With simple mobile applications, he monitors greenhouse conditions including temperature, watering schedules, and soil acidity. Supported by the agri-tech firm Green Eden, Mr. Nangor reports a significant production increase of 20%, which reflects the potential for a new era in farming across the country.
Farming remains crucial for Nigeria’s economy, contributing approximately 20% to the nation’s GDP. However, climate change poses serious threats due to erratic rainfall patterns affecting mostly smallholder farmers lacking irrigation systems. Stephanie Meltus, a founder of Green Eden, emphasizes the urgent need to address these challenges.
The rise of agri-tech in Nigeria is supported by both private investors and business foundations, establishing a connection between the technology sector and rural agriculture. Jos, the central city, is emerging as an agri-tech hub where innovations are positively impacting traditional farming practices. Farmers like Mercy Atsuku have witnessed a decline in poultry mortality rates after implementing advanced monitoring systems developed by local startups.
Miriam Agbo, founder of Anatsor, which focuses on poultry health management, explains the critical nature of climate control for chicken farming. By receiving notifications about temperature and water quality directly to their devices, farmers can now ensure optimal conditions without the previous burden of frequent nighttime checks. While the $150 monitoring system represents a considerable expense, many farmers agree that it significantly eases their operational stress.
However, experts like agronomy professor Nuhu Adamu Gworgwor warn that climate change and urbanization are pushing more individuals away from agriculture, complicating the situation further. Additionally, critics express concerns that the focus of agri-tech may overlook sustainability by prioritizing yield increases over environmental impacts. With only 40% internet accessibility in Nigeria and even lower figures in rural areas, equitable access to such transformative technologies remains a critical hurdle.
In conclusion, the integration of artificial intelligence into agriculture in Nigeria is showing promising results, particularly in increasing crop yields and enhancing farming efficiency. However, the challenges posed by climate change, urban migration, and limited access to technology call for a broader focus on sustainable practices alongside technological advancements. The future of agriculture in Nigeria remains contingent on addressing these vital concerns and ensuring equitable access to agri-tech solutions.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
