The importance of agriculture for the economic development of a country no longer needs to be demonstrated. However, for this sector to truly contribute to growth and food security, it is essential to adopt innovative approaches and use available technological tools.
With this in mind, Nigeria, in collaboration with IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development), recently organized a national dialogue on the theme “Deepening Partnership for Intensifying the Use of Information Technology and of communication (ICT) at the service of small farmers”. During this event, it was highlighted that ICT in agriculture can have a significant impact on farmers’ productivity and income.
According to Ms. Dede Ekoue, Director of IFAD Nigeria Office, e-market solutions can increase smallholder farmers’ income by 37% and their productivity by 73%. Additionally, extension services can increase their income by 18% on average and their productivity by 25 to 50%. These figures show the immense potential of ICT to improve the performance of the agricultural sector.
In concrete terms, the digitalization of agriculture could enable Nigeria to generate an additional $67 billion annually. The country has a significant amount of agricultural land, but it remains underexploited due to the lack of technology. For example, the Netherlands is the second largest agricultural producer in the world despite having a territory 22 times smaller than that of Nigeria, thanks to the intensive use of technology. By using suitable technological solutions, Nigeria’s agricultural productivity could increase by 67%.
The Nigerian government has also become aware of this issue and has tasked the Ministry of Communications and Innovation with promoting the use of innovative technologies in key sectors of the economy, including agriculture.
The adoption of ICT in agriculture also has social benefits. By facilitating access to markets and strengthening farmers’ resilience to climate change, these technologies help reduce inequalities and improve the condition of marginalized groups, including women and young people.
It is therefore essential to promote solid partnerships to accelerate this digital transition in agriculture. Different stakeholders, including governments, international organizations and local actors, must work together to enable smallholder farmers to access digital solutions that can strengthen their production, income and resilience.
In conclusion, the integration of ICT in agriculture offers many opportunities to improve agricultural productivity, reduce poverty and achieve food security. Nigeria, through the dialogue organized with IFAD, shows a firm desire to invest in information and communication technologies for agricultural development. It is time for other countries to follow suit and explore the full potential of ICT to transform the agricultural sector.