With the rapid evolution of technology offering increasing benefits across all sectors of the Nigerian economy, the federal government is set to leverage tech solutions to enhance livestock and dairy production.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, revealed this strategy on his verified X handle, emphasising the government’s commitment to using emerging technologies to bolster food supply nationwide.
According to the minister, “Following the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Livestock Reforms last week in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda, we will be engaging the technology innovation ecosystem over the coming weeks to explore ways to design and apply technological solutions in the livestock, dairy production, and other associated sectors. Our belief is that with the strength of our innovation ecosystem, we will stimulate economic growth through increased agricultural productivity.”
Chairman of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), Chief Diolu Ogunbanjo, praised the federal government’s initiative, stating it would enhance food production, particularly through the application of technology.
Ogunbanjo highlighted that emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can revolutionise livestock production in Nigeria by enabling predictive analytics for disease outbreaks, optimising feed efficiency, and improving breeding practices. Drones and IoT devices can monitor livestock health and grazing patterns in real time.
A recent study on smart technologies in animal production, covering opportunities, challenges, and solutions, shows that smart livestock farmers can leverage technology to boost production and meet food demand sustainably.
However, tech experts believe that smart agriculture can employ modern technology to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and animal welfare in livestock farming. This includes remote monitoring, GPS-based animal care, robotic milking, smart health collars, predictive disease control, and other innovations.
“While smart animal production holds great promise, it does face challenges related to cost, data management, and connectivity. To address these challenges, potential solutions include remote sensing, technology integration, and farmer education. Smart agriculture offers opportunities for increased efficiency, improved animal welfare, and enhanced environmental conservation. A well-planned approach is crucial to maximise the benefits of smart livestock production while ensuring its long-term sustainability,” some of the technology experts noted.
They also suggested that Nigeria’s livestock industry could be transformed through technology and innovation in areas such as Blockchain Technology and Data Analytics, while proposing smart farming solutions such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices and mobile applications that could drive and sustain its implementation.