Stakeholders across the agriculture and food value chain have been invited to explore the unique roles of technological innovation in securing the country’s food supply and supporting rural development.
Cultivate Africa founder Dominic Joshua made the call in his speech at the Nigeria Agricultural Innovation Forum, which focused on the future of agriculture in Nigeria and food security.
Highlighting that agriculture remains a cornerstone of the country’s economy, Mr. Joshua highlighted the transformative trends that are currently changing the agricultural landscape, noting that the sector was witnessing a paradigm shift from traditional farming methods to technology-driven solutions.
He listed the integration of precision agriculture, biotechnology and digital platforms as key drivers of change, with the potential to revolutionize food production and distribution.
He also referred to the use of drones for crop monitoring and the deployment of IoT sensors to optimize water use and soil health.
These technologies, he noted, could increase crop yields by up to 40 percent, which would represent a significant boost in a country where small farmers contribute more than 80 percent of agricultural production.
“Precision agriculture is not just a buzzword; it is the future,” he said, crediting companies like FarmSense and AgriTech NG for leading the effort to provide farmers with real-time data for better decision-making.
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He stressed that the data-driven approach not only improves efficiency but also minimises waste, which is crucial in a country where post-harvest losses account for up to 30 per cent of total production.
Mr Joshua also highlighted the role of biotechnology in improving food security, noting that genetically modified crops could be vital to ensuring a stable food supply, particularly amid the challenges posed by climate change.
“The introduction of drought- and pest-resistant crop varieties can significantly mitigate the risks associated with erratic weather patterns,” he explained, citing a recent study by the Nigerian Agricultural Research Institute, which found that the adoption of improved seed varieties could increase maize and rice production by 25 percent and 30 percent, respectively.
“These figures are not just statistics: they represent real opportunities to feed our growing population and reduce our dependence on food imports,” he added.
Beyond technological innovations, Mr. Joshua highlighted the importance of empowering rural communities as a cornerstone for agricultural growth.
He explained that rural development and food security are intrinsically linked and that Cultivate Africa plays a pivotal role by implementing programmes that provide farmers with access to finance, training and markets.
He highlighted Cultivate Africa's recent partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria, with the aim of disbursing low-interest loans to smallholder farmers.
“Access to finance is a crucial factor. With the right support, our farmers can invest in modern equipment, purchase high-quality inputs and ultimately increase their productivity,” he said.
Joshua also highlighted the organization’s farmer education programs, which have trained more than 50,000 farmers in sustainable farming practices. “Knowledge is power, and when farmers are equipped with the latest techniques and tools, they can achieve remarkable results,” he noted.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Joshua shared his vision of Nigerian agriculture as a sector that not only feeds the nation but also drives economic growth and reduces poverty.
He called for increased investment in agricultural research and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to build a resilient agricultural system capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change, market fluctuations or pandemics.
“We need to create a sustainable and food secure future for Nigeria,” he said, calling for action by all actors involved in the agricultural value chain.