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Embracing Technology in Nigerian Agriculture: A New Era of Farming
In a significant shift towards modern agricultural practices, Nigerian farmers are harnessing the power of technology to optimize their yield and resilience against climate challenges. Dandam Nangor, a 34-year-old IT analyst and farmer in Jos, has adopted smartphone technology that allows him to monitor his greenhouse conditions. With just a few taps, he can access data on temperature, soil pH levels, and irrigation needs, greatly enhancing the efficiency of his pepper crops.
“My production has increased by about 400 kilograms, or 20 percent,” Nangor reveals, attributing this improvement to data collected by soil probes and analyzed by Green Eden, a local agri-tech startup. This innovative application supports farmers in a region that has long been a vital contributor to Nigeria’s food supply, despite facing the impacts of climate change.
Nigeria, where agriculture significantly contributes to the national economy—approximately 20 percent of its GDP—is witnessing an urgent need for adaptation strategies. With erratic rainfall patterns threatening the livelihoods of countless smallholder farmers who often lack irrigation, the situation is increasingly precarious.
Addressing Climate Change Challenges
Stephanie Meltus, founder of Green Eden, identifies climate change as a pivotal challenge for farmers. “The weather fluctuates dramatically, which is a problem we aim to solve through technology,” she states. After initially securing funding from personal networks, her startup has now expanded its reach, incorporating technological solutions into over 70 farms.
Integrating Tech Beyond Traditional Farming
The central city of Jos is emerging as an agri-tech hub. Mercy Atsuku, who runs a chicken farm, has seen tangible benefits from implementing a monitoring system from another local startup, Anatsor. She emphasizes that the technology has dramatically reduced mortality rates among her chickens by constantly monitoring vital environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
“I receive alerts on my phone about the conditions of my farm, allowing me to act promptly,” Atsuku explains. Although the cost of the monitoring system may seem high for some farmers at $150, she believes it has alleviated much of her stress associated with poultry management.
Farming Trends in an Urbanizing World
The shift to technology-based farming practices comes at a critical moment. According to Nuhu Adamu Gworgwor, an agronomy professor at the University of Jos, the agricultural sector is facing significant challenges as many Nigerians migrate to urban areas due to diminishing agricultural yields caused by climate instability. “Poor harvests have driven many away from farming and many may not return,” he notes.
The Role of Innovative Startups
While there are concerns that current agri-tech innovations might focus primarily on increasing production rather than environmental sustainability, young entrepreneurs like Gambo Wadams Zakka are determined to change the narrative. His startup aims to leverage satellite imagery and AI to alert farmers about pest infestations and market prices through SMS, thereby empowering them with critical information.
“If we can provide timely alerts on crop prices, farmers can make informed decisions on when to sell,” Zakka insists. For experienced farmers like Michael Inyam Itsegok, this type of technology could be transformative, reducing the unpredictability of farming.
“Without insights about market trends or environmental changes, we are left vulnerable to whatever comes our way,” Itsegok remarks, highlighting the desperate need for innovation in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
The ongoing integration of technology into farming practices could signify a new chapter for a nation that heavily relies on agriculture yet battles with the repercussions of climate change.
Source
phys.org