The Ogun State Government has strengthened efforts to boost farmers’ income through the adoption of digital tools that enhance market access and pricing decisions.
The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, trained farmers on the Agricultural Market Information System (AGMIS), a platform designed to link producers directly with buyers.
The training, held in Abeokuta, brought together farmers and value chain actors from Odogbolu, Ijebu East, Obafemi/Owode and Yewa North, with a focus on improving access to real-time market data, demand trends and commodity prices.
Speaking at the session, the State Programme Coordinator, Kehinde Jokotoye, urged participants to utilise the platform to improve productivity and maximise returns.
Also, Abel Ameh described AGMIS as a tool that enhances farmers’ visibility, reduces post-harvest losses and supports better pricing decisions.
However, facilitators guided participants on how to navigate the platform and connect with buyers, emphasising its accessibility via mobile devices.
Participants, represented by Olufemi Oluwasey! and Timothy Aina, commended the initiative, noting that access to timely market information would reduce exploitation by middlemen and improve their earnings.
They added that the programme had enhanced their capacity for better planning and smarter marketing strategies.
Reinforcing the programme’s long-term vision, Damilola Akindele stated that the training aligns with SAPZ’s broader goal of strengthening food systems through continuous capacity development and technology integration.
The SAPZ initiative, supported by the African Development Bank, IFAD, and the Federal Government, is designed to stimulate rural economies by linking farmers to agro-processing hubs, creating jobs, and enhancing food security.
Furthermore, stakeholders expressed optimism that the adoption of digital tools such as AGMIS will not only improve farmers’ livelihoods but also drive sustainable agricultural growth, with participants expected to extend the knowledge gained to others within their communities.
