In the face of Nigeria’s escalating hunger crisis, experts emphasize that large-scale technology adoption, innovation, and collaborative public-private partnerships are key to driving food security and economic diversification through agriculture. During interviews marking World Food Day, sector leaders highlighted the potential of farm machines, drones, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in boosting productivity. They urged the Nigerian government to partner with private sector players to unlock the country’s agricultural potential and ensure affordable access to staple foods.
AfricaFarmer Mogaji, CEO of X-ray Farms Consulting, pointed out that Nigeria has overlooked the role of technology in making agriculture profitable, stressing the need for innovation to address the country’s food crisis. This was echoed by Adebowale Akande, Director at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), who shared how IITA’s work with agribusinesses and local governments has advanced agricultural research and promoted collaboration in food security efforts.
Additionally, the article draws attention to the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts as a major obstacle to agriculture in Nigeria. Experts, such as Tajudeen Ibrahim, Director of Research and Strategy at Chapel Hill Denham, advocate for grassroots-level partnerships between state governments and community leaders to monitor and manage resources, which would help resolve insecurity issues and improve food production. Source: BusinessDay
Expert Review:
Nigeria’s quest for food security is deeply tied to embracing innovation and fostering strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors. The deployment of technology, such as AI, drones, and mechanized tools, has revolutionized agriculture worldwide, enhancing yield efficiency and reducing labor costs. Nigeria must tap into these advancements by creating a conducive environment for tech-driven farming solutions to flourish, especially in regions where traditional farming practices still dominate.
For agribusiness stakeholders, this presents an opportunity to invest in technology-focused agricultural solutions, positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s food production. The call for public-private partnerships can not only accelerate technology adoption but also attract funding for research and infrastructure. The government’s role in facilitating this collaboration is critical, particularly in providing policy support, funding, and training for smallholder farmers.
Furthermore, resolving Nigeria’s food security challenges requires addressing both agricultural productivity and the root causes of farmer-herder conflicts. Effective community-level partnerships can help manage land and resource use more sustainably, reducing violent conflicts and ensuring that farmlands remain productive.
In addition, these initiatives must prioritize inclusive policies to ensure accessibility and affordability of staple foods for all Nigerians. Technology in agriculture should be part of a broader framework that includes sustainable practices, climate resilience, and social protection measures, ensuring long-term food security.
