By Joy Onuorah
It’s time to stop romanticizing agriculture and face the hard truth—Nigeria’s food security hinges not on tradition, but on the bold embrace of technology.
The Federal Government is finally acknowledging that without the power of emerging technologies, the agricultural sector is destined to stagnate.
The recent collaboration between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Agriculture Development Fund (NADF) isn’t just another MoU—it’s a lifeline for the nation’s future.
Recently, Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s Director General, made it clear during the signing of this vital agreement with NADF that the old ways of farming simply aren’t cutting it anymore.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is big and loud on boosting agriculture to ensure food security, and today you cannot talk about boosting agriculture without talking about digital technology,” Inuwa boldly stated.
The message is clear: technology isn’t optional—it’s a necessity.
The urgency of this move can’t be overstated. NITDA’s initiatives like the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA) and partnerships with universities and startups are proof that the government is finally ready to break free from outdated methods.
Abuja’s demo farms are already showcasing what’s possible when technology meets the soil.
Grants for startups are fueling innovation, and the goal is simple—show farmers how emerging technologies like AI, WAV, and IoT can transform their yields and boost productivity across the country.
But it’s not just about new tools, it’s about survival. As NADF’s Executive Secretary Mohammed Abu pointed out, agriculture in Nigeria is under siege. From climate change to insecurity, the sector is fighting battles on every front.
“Without optimizing agriculture and looking at it from this evidence-based perspective, we may not achieve much,” he remarked.
It’s a sobering truth, but one the government is finally addressing. Empirical, data-backed strategies will allow better resource allocation and ensure that every naira spent is put to its best use.
This collaboration is about more than paperwork—it’s a shift in mindset. It’s about creating a system where technology doesn’t just assist agriculture but drives it forward.
The fusion of tech and farming isn’t a luxury; it’s the only path forward if Nigeria truly wants to achieve food security.
For the skeptics still holding on to the past, the evidence speaks for itself. Tech is no longer an add-on—it’s the future of agriculture.
