In light of Nigeria’s current economic situation, where agriculture remains a vital but underdeveloped sector, there is a pressing need to leverage technology to boost productivity and sustainability.
The Young Tech Farmers Club, the brainchild of SAHE Foundation officially launched on Friday at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, with the theme “BECOMING A TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN FARMER,” aims to address these challenges by integrating digital solutions into agribusiness.
Speaking during the event in a panel session, Barrister Richard Mark Mbaram, CEO of the Feed Nigeria Summit, emphasized the importance of technology in modern farming. Represented by Dr. Yakubu Balogun, he stated, “It’s crucial for the young generation to see agriculture as agribusiness.”
He highlighted that with Nigeria’s high internet and smartphone usage, young people can leverage data analytics to predict market demands, reduce wastage, and optimize supply.
Technology, from drones to real-time information systems, can transform agriculture, making it more efficient and profitable. Embracing these tools can help young farmers become innovative solution providers in the agribusiness sector, he stressed.
Also speaking to the panel, Dr. Akin Akinbola, Managing Director/CEO Promosalons, highlighted that Nigeria’s population, currently over 220 million, is projected to reach 400 million by 2050, becoming the third largest globally.
“Feeding such a large population is a challenge. While 70% of our land is arable, only 40% is currently used. By adopting new technologies, we can increase this to 80%, achieving self-sufficiency and surplus for export,” he said.
Dr. Akinbola spoke about a 100-hectare integrated farm and a chicken layer farm with over 60,000 chickens, managed by just two people using advanced technology from their bedroom.
“Eggs are transported via conveyor belt to a lab where infrared technology separates and arranges them without human assistance. Waste is used as manure for maize. The farmers work only 30 minutes a day, monitoring the farm via their phones. “
He also shared his visit to a farm in Rennes, France, during the SPACE event.
Dr. Akinbola who is also a linguist, stressed the importance of farmers, noting that in France, farmers hold significant influence over government policies because their role is crucial to preventing hunger.
“Farmers are vital for our future. You, as future farmers, can achieve great things. Embrace farming and its benefits, and start cultivating the land,” he urged.
Dr. Chief Alaka-Yusuf, representing NAPPS, shared his organization’s initiatives to involve students in agriculture. “We are working on a program to support students in planting crops like efo, okra, and maize, which they can take home to assist their families and communities,” he noted. Alaka-Yusuf also revealed plans to celebrate Agricultural Day in schools, where students will showcase their local produce, promoting agricultural awareness and pride.
Elder Bejide, Chairman of NAPPS, spoke on the importance of incorporating farming into school curricula. “We can use available land and space in schools to create chicken and poultry farms,” he said. “This will redirect the smartness of children from cyber fraud to agriculture-driven technologies.” Bejide emphasized that technology-driven agriculture is a core business that should be embraced by all.
On her part, Dr. Oluwatoyin Adetunji, TAAT Value Chain Specialist, underscored the wealth potential in modern agriculture. “Agriculture has gone past hoes and cutlasses; now we use modern technologies,” she stated.
Adetunji highlighted that agriculture is now seen as a business, not just a developmental program. She further encouraged students to use technology for various agricultural processes, from production to marketing, and even school feeding programs.
“You can provide food for your school, community, and country. Start seeing agriculture as a business,” she urged.
The speakers collectively painted a vision of a tech-driven agricultural future, where the youth play a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s agribusiness landscape through innovative solutions and entrepreneurial spirit.