Nigeria’s agricultural sector stands at a crossroads. Without a significant shift towards digital agricultural extension services, the country could spend a staggering $110 billion on food imports by 2025. This warning came from Dr. Godwin Atser, Country Director of the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), during the Annual Stakeholder Workshop in Abuja, themed “Transforming the Agricultural Landscape through Digital Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services.”
The Urgency of Agricultural Extension Services
Dr. Atser emphasized that extension and advisory services are critical to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. Yet, despite the availability of innovative farming solutions, the country’s extension system remains weak, with some states lacking these services entirely.
“If we continue along this path, we are essentially exporting jobs, which will further impact our economy,” Atser cautioned. “Nigeria could spend $110 billion on food imports in 2025 if it fails to adopt and strengthen digital agricultural extension services.”
He further pointed out that relying on food imports while local productivity remains low is unsustainable, particularly as climate change worsens agricultural challenges.
With over 90% of Nigerians using mobile phones and internet penetration increasing rapidly, digital technology offers a powerful tool for transforming agriculture. Atser stressed the importance of harnessing digital solutions to provide farmers with timely, high-quality information to boost productivity.
“In today’s fast-changing world, digital solutions are revolutionizing the delivery of extension and advisory services,” he noted. “These tools bridge gaps, empower stakeholders, and ensure that critical knowledge reaches those who need it most—whether in agriculture, health, education, or business.”
By using real-time, accessible, and data-driven support, digital tools can enhance decision-making, improve yields, and make farming more sustainable.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly crucial role in global agriculture. AI-driven tools can analyze complex data to predict weather patterns, soil conditions, pest outbreaks, and other critical factors affecting farming. Atser highlighted the potential of AI to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector if properly integrated with digital extension services.
However, the success of these digital solutions depends on strong collaboration among stakeholders. “Addressing the productivity challenge in agriculture requires a united effort,” Atser stated. “Digital transformation can only be effective if we work together to implement these technologies at scale.”
As Nigeria grapples with food security challenges, adopting and strengthening digital agricultural extension services is no longer an option—it is a necessity. By leveraging technology, AI, and mobile connectivity, the country can reduce reliance on imports, create jobs, and empower farmers with the tools they need to succeed.
The time to act is now. With the right policies, investments, and collaborations, Nigeria can transform its agricultural landscape and secure a more sustainable future.
