ARCN advocates digital transformation in agric extension services

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to modernising Nigeria’s agricultural extension system through digital transformation, emphasising the role of technology in enhancing food security and economic prosperity.

Delivering a keynote address at a summit on ‘Sustainable Agricultural Extension Services Delivery in Nigeria’, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Professor Garba Sharubutu, underscored the need for a shift from traditional extension methods to digital-driven solutions that ensure real-time knowledge dissemination and farmer support.

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE : Food Security: Hope rises as NADF, ARCN begin review of agric research system

He highlighted the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP) as a major step toward bridging the gap between research institutions and farmers, allowing for seamless communication and rapid response to agricultural challenges.

“The summit aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises the modernisation of agriculture through mechanization, research, and digital technology,” he said.

Participants critically reviewed Nigeria’s current agricultural extension framework and developed strategic recommendations to enhance its impact.

Sharubutu stressed that for digital extension services to be effective, they must be accessible to smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s food production.

He called for targeted investments in digital infrastructure, literacy programs, and affordable technology to ensure that rural farmers benefit from emerging innovations.

The ARCN boss also emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, urging public institutions, private enterprises, and civil society organizations to work together in building an inclusive, demand-driven extension model.

Key Initiatives for Agricultural Technology Transfer

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has introduced multiple initiatives to improve technology transfer and support farmers, such as Electronic Technology Transfer (ETT), Adopted Villages & Agricultural Research Outreach Centers (AROCs) and Digitalized Agricultural Research Museum.

Additionally, the ARCN is collaborating with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to implement the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA), a data-driven platform designed to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector by integrating technology across the value chain.

For digital agriculture to succeed, Professor Sharubutu called for policy coherence and institutional strengthening. He emphasised the importance of regulations that protect farmers’ data rights, encourage public-private partnerships, and facilitate research and development in digital agriculture.

He proposed the establishment of dedicated funding programs to support innovations such as precision farming technologies, ensuring that Nigeria remains competitive in the global agricultural landscape.