By: Abdulmalik Adetola Lawal
The internet revolution began in 1969 when ARPANET connected computers at four universities. Over the years, its impact expanded, making information accessible within seconds through search engines. This advancement has significantly influenced agriculture.
Farmers now use the internet to access information, seek advice, and connect with other farmers. Online platforms facilitate the purchase of equipment, fertilizers, and machinery, reducing transportation costs and saving time. According to Veriv Africa, 89% of Nigerians make online purchases, showcasing the growing integration of digital solutions in everyday life, including farming.
The Internet of Things (IoT) represents a transformative leap in technology, bridging the physical and digital worlds. IoT involves appliances equipped with sensors and chips that collect, transmit, and act on data. This connectivity enables real-world objects, such as vehicles, machinery, and industrial equipment, to execute tasks efficiently. IoT applications span Consumer IoT, Commercial IoT, and Industrial IoT, with agriculture benefiting from Industrial IoT solutions.
Conservation and Efficiency in Agriculture
IoT plays a critical role in promoting conservation and sustainability in agriculture. It enables smart irrigation by using soil sensors to monitor moisture levels, ensuring water is applied only when necessary. This minimizes waste and optimizes water use. Similarly, IoT devices calculate precise amounts of fertilizers and pesticides needed for specific areas, reducing overuse and environmental harm. Tools like Mothive and CropX help detect pests and diseases early, minimize waste, and enhance farm sustainability.
Sustainability and conservation go hand in hand, and IoT devices make it easier for farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices. By reducing resource wastage and improving efficiency, these technologies pave the way for a more sustainable agricultural future.
Precision Farming: The Future of Agriculture
Precision farming, powered by IoT, offers data-driven solutions to age-old farming challenges. Although not yet widely adopted in Africa, precision farming has immense potential. Traditional practices, such as reliance on rain-fed crops and slash-and-burn methods, limit productivity and degrade the environment. IoT devices provide real-time data on soil moisture, pH, and nutrient levels, enabling farmers to apply water and fertilizers only where needed.
IoT weather stations offer hyper-local forecasts, helping farmers plan planting, irrigation, and harvesting schedules more effectively. Nutrient mapping, achieved using spectrometers, measures nutrient levels in crops without damaging them. This ensures the optimal use of fertilizers, improves pest control, and minimizes waste. By enabling consistent supply to markets, precision farming could reduce inflation and decrease reliance on food imports in Nigeria.
IoT in Livestock Management
Livestock production in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including poor management, disease outbreaks, and theft. Despite having a large ruminant population, Nigeria lags behind other African nations in livestock’s contribution to GDP. Poor feeding practices and lack of monitoring lead to inefficiencies and losses.
IoT devices offer solutions to these problems. GPS trackers, such as Herddogg, allow herders to monitor their animals and prevent losses. Drones provide aerial surveillance of livestock, while wearable sensors measure pulse rates and body temperatures, enabling early detection of diseases. Proactive health monitoring reduces disease spread and enhances livestock productivity.
IoT can also revolutionize feeding practices. Sensors in feed storage units track inventory levels, preventing shortages or overstocking. These devices can also assess feed composition, helping farmers ensure their animals receive high-quality nutrition while minimizing waste.
Despite its potential, IoT adoption in Nigerian agriculture remains limited due to economic challenges and inflation. To address this, the government can partner with investors to promote local production of IoT devices. Tax incentives and subsidies for technology companies could reduce production costs and make these devices more affordable for farmers.
By investing in IoT solutions, Nigeria can revolutionize its agricultural sector, boosting productivity, reducing waste, and fostering sustainability. Embracing this technology is not just an option—it is a necessity for ensuring food security and economic growth in the future.