UK to establish agritech hub in Oyo
Oyo State is set to leverage science and technology-based solutions to enhance agriculture and livestock production through a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom Agritech Centre. As part of this collaboration, an Agritech Hub will be established within one of the state’s Agribusiness Industrial Hubs, positioning Oyo as a leading center for agricultural innovation in Nigeria.
The development was disclosed by Debo Akande, Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agribusiness, during a meeting between Governor Seyi Makinde and a UK delegation led by Mark Smithson, Director of the UK Department of Business and Trade in Nigeria. The delegation, which included agribusiness experts, academics, and representatives from the UK Agritech Centre, visited Oyo State to explore trade expansion and agribusiness collaboration opportunities.
According to Akande, agriculture is becoming increasingly technology-driven, and this initiative aims to provide young farmers with the necessary knowledge, resources, and precision-driven innovations to boost productivity. The project, backed by grant funding, is beyond the conceptual stage and is set for immediate implementation.
The initiative is part of a broader UK-Nigeria investment partnership, which includes 40 sectors, with agriculture being a priority area. The UK Agritech Centre, comprising 300 members from the private sector and academia, is expected to introduce cutting-edge science and technology solutions to enhance Oyo State’s agricultural landscape.
Smithson emphasized that the collaboration will focus on developing science-driven solutions to improve agricultural output, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance market access for local farmers. The project also aligns with Oyo State’s agribusiness expansion strategy, further solidifying its position as an agricultural hub in Nigeria.
Source- Punch
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The UK-Oyo Agritech collaboration presents significant opportunities for various stakeholders in Nigeria’s agri-food sector, particularly in areas of technology adoption, productivity enhancement, and value chain development. Here are the key takeaways:
1. Strengthening Agritech Innovation & Adoption:
(a). The Agritech Hub will introduce advanced agricultural technologies such as precision farming, mechanized irrigation, data-driven farm management, and automated livestock systems.
(b). Farmers and agripreneurs will gain access to modern tools, training, and digital solutions that can improve productivity and reduce losses.
2. Empowering Youth in Agriculture:
(a). Many young people are interested in agribusiness but lack the technical expertise to scale up. This initiative provides a structured approach to agriculture-as-a-business, encouraging youth participation in a high-tech, sustainable model.
(b). The project will create direct and indirect employment, strengthening Oyo State’s agribusiness ecosystem.
3. Enhancing Trade and Market Access:
(a). Oyo’s integration into international agritech networks can open export opportunities, connecting local farmers with high-value markets in the UK and beyond.
(b). With increased productivity and improved quality standards, agricultural products from Oyo could become more competitive in regional and global markets.
4. Reducing Agricultural Risks & Losses:
(a). Deploying technology-driven solutions for climate-smart agriculture will mitigate risks associated with climate change, disease outbreaks, and inefficient farming practices.
(b). Precision agriculture will help optimize input use, reducing waste and improving cost-effectiveness.
5. Government & Policy Considerations:
(a). For sustainability, Oyo State must establish a strong policy framework to support agritech investments, ensuring ease of doing business for investors.
(b). Collaboration with local research institutions, private investors, and agribusiness firms will be crucial for maximizing the impact of the Agritech Hub.
The UK-backed Agritech project in Oyo State represents a forward-thinking approach to agriculture-led economic growth. If well implemented, it will set a model for agricultural transformation in Nigeria, driving productivity, technology adoption, and sustainable agribusiness expansion.
