SAA, AFAAS adopt digital innovation to drive agricultural extension transformation

The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) and the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) have announced to use digital innovation to address challenges in agricultural extension.

This new initiative is targeted at developing cutting-edge digital tools and effect partnerships with the private sector which will in turn enhance productivity and support farmers.

Speaking during a one-day workshop in Abuja, the Country Director of SAA Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Atser, highlighted the transformative potential of digital tools in agriculture.

The workshop with the themed “A Consultation Engagement Exercise for a Product Profile Design for Nigeria’s Public-Private Partnership Digital Delivery System,” was organised in collaboration with Sahel Consulting and Africa Practices.

Atser emphasised the growing number of digital applications designed to tackle issues faced by smallholder farmers.

These tools, according to him has the potentials to bridge the agricultural information gap, improve productivity, boost livelihoods, and reduce poverty in rural communities.

“Food security remains a critical issue in Nigeria. Farmers need precise, actionable advice how to grow crops better, combat diseases, and access markets to maximize returns”, Atser said.

The SAA Country Director further noted that with 70 percent of rural Nigerians reliant on agriculture, effective extension services are essential for tailored crop management, disease prevention, and market access.

Also, a Director in the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Dr. Deola Lordbango, harped on the urgent need to modernize Nigeria’s extension services.

Lordbango lamented the shortage of extension agents, which has hindered the dissemination of research findings to farmers, leading to low productivity and poor income levels.

He however revealed that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is prioritizing digital extension services to replace outdated methods.

Private sector players like Akilibo, Igbita, Extension Africa, and Agroinfotech Farmers are already contributing significantly, but a coordinated effort is required to maximise their impact.

The Director further noted that the proposed Agricultural Extension Service Delivery Revitalisation Bill, currently before the National Assembly, promises to improve service delivery and accelerate food security efforts.

The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yuka Furutani, reiterated Japan’s support for Nigeria’s food security initiatives through grants and technical assistance. Furutani emphasized how digital tools have enhanced inventory management, marketing, and financial access for smallholder farmers, driving sustainable agricultural practices.

 

 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE