Yemi Obafemi
The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, said digital technologies has remain the most recognized technology to increase agricultural products to meets global challenge of feeding population and accelerate the achievement of goal number two, zero hunger, in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He disclosed this at the International Hybrid Symposium on Smart Agriculture 2023, organised by Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), in collaboration with Islamic World Educational, Science and Cultural Organisation, Morocco, with the theme “The Future of Smart Agriculture and the Role of Emerging Technologies in Achieving the SDGs,” brought together experts to discuss ways that will hitherto encourage smart agriculture, and showcased beneficiaries of the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA) from Federal University Dutse.
The Director General who was represented by Dr. Aminu Lawal, SA on Digital Transformation, said agriculture have been impacted by digital technologies and experience differenet method of farming, from primitive farming to machanised farming, and presently in digital farming era.
He stated the importants strides made in the field of smart farming, which combines the power of data and computing technologies to enhance the inputs and outputs of farming operations.
According to him, smart farming, enables data capturing and interpreting them using computing technologies to make farm operations more predictable and efficient.
Speaking on the importants of digital technologies in agriculture, Inuwa said, “Agriculture, if properly harnessed and technologies and innovations effectively introduced, the sector remains the number one sector for taking 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years and creating large well-paying jobs for Nigerian youths.
“Digital technologies can significantly reduce information access inequalities, improve the management and sustainability of natural resources used in farming, reduce the costs of linking sellers and buyers, and improve knowledge sharing and access to markets.
“With digital technologies farmers make more precise decisions on resource management, and farm processes, and better engagement between consumers and producers through increased and faster information analysis and the resulting insights; thereby leading to smart farms and making small-scale producers more competitive.
“there is a need to increase the production and profitability of farmers, increase the impact of agriculture intervention, attract youths and talents into agribusinesses, and use agriculture to diversify the economy. Digital technologies have the ability to change this narrative”.
According to Inuwa, NITDA in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and key stakeholders have developed Nigeria Digital Agriculture Strategy (NDAS) to enhance digital technologies in agriculture sector.
He said the vision of NDAS is to make Nigeria the top three (3) most food-secure countries in Africa and the top 20 largest exporters of standard agricultural produce by 2030 through the use and application of digital technologies and innovations.
And also the sector have also developed National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA), to address obvious challenges, exploit the opportunities and speed economic growth.
NAVSA is a technology and innovation-driven agricultural initiative aimed at addressing low agriculture productivity, inappropriate financing strategy, and repayment difficulties through the introduction of closed and open wallet systems on mobile payment platforms.
“The initiative has been designed to accelerate the achievement of the Federal Government’s objectives on massive job creation, economic diversification, and growth. It builds and connects agriculture ecosystem players across the agriculture value chain to position agriculture as a business, attracts a youthful population into agriculture enterprises, ensures funds can be recouped through digital wallets, and values every farm produce for improved contribution to GDP and economic development.”
He said since its launch, its implementation and sustainability models, NAVSA continued to attract the attention of key players in the Agricultural ecosystem in line with global best practices, adding that the Agency partnered with universities for the implementation of NAVSA to shape and model new generation of agriculturists to become smart farmers, thereby preparing them for the future of agriculture.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Armaya’u Hamisu-Bichi, in his welcome speech, said smart agriculture, integrates cutting-edge technologies such as Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and data analytics has the power to revolutionise farming practices, increase productivity, optimize resource management and enhance overall efficiency.
“It is through collective efforts and comprehensive strategies that we can attain this delicate equilibrium, fostering harmonious coexistence between agricultural production and environmental preservation,” he said.
He said the theme call for innovation, efficiency and sustainability within the agricultural sector.
“In an era where our world is confronted with numerous challenges ranging from population growth to climate change, it is imperative to harness the potential of emerging technologies,” he said.
