TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN AGRICULTURE AND ITS IMPORTANCE: THE NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE
Akwapoly Journal of Communication and Scientific Research (APJOCASR)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/apjocasr.Vol7no2.10Keywords:
Technological advancements, Nigerian agriculture, sustainability, productivity, innovationAbstract
Technological advancements can potentially revolutionize agriculture in Nigeria, addressing critical challenges such as low productivity, inefficiencies, and sustainability concerns. This paper explores the significance of these technological innovations, focusing on their impact and implementation within the Nigerian context. Through a series of case studies—including precision farming by Olam Nigeria, crowdfunding platforms like Thrive Agric, cooperative models employed by Babban Gona, and e-extension services by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture—this study illustrates how technology can enhance agricultural productivity, economic viability, and sustainability. Key findings highlight increased yields, cost efficiencies, improved market access, and the promotion of sustainable practices. However, challenges such as high initial costs, limited internet connectivity, and the need for technical expertise persist. The paper concludes with recommendations to improve infrastructure, increase access to affordable financing, strengthen research and development, enhance education and training, promote sustainable practices, facilitate market access, implement supportive policies, and foster innovation ecosystems. These steps are essential for harnessing the full potential of technological advancements to transform Nigerian agriculture and drive socio-economic growth
References
Adamu, L., Hassan, A., & Mohammed, I. (2022). Biotechnology and its impact on agricultural productivity in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Biotechnology, 39(1), 56-68. https://doi.org/10.4314/njb.v39i1.5
Adedoyin, O. B., & Soykan, E. (2020). Covid-19 pandemic and online learning: the challenges and opportunities. Interactive Learning Environments, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1813180
Adeleke, I. A., Olayemi, A. A., & Okon, N. E. (2020). The impact of technological advancement on health care delivery in Nigeria. Journal of Healthcare and Medical Technology, 3 (1), 45-56. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-020-0500-9
Agwu, P. O., Igbokwe, E. M., & Ajani, E. N. (2018). Land tenure and agricultural productivity in Nigeria: A review. *Journal of Rural Studies, 45*(3), 13-22.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2018.05.003
Babban Gona. (2021). About us. Retrieved from https://www.babbangona.com
Central Bank of Nigeria. (2020). Anchor Borrowers' Program.
https://www.cbn.gov.ng/Out/2020/DFA/ABP%20Brochure.pdf
Central Bank of Nigeria. (2020). Annual report. https://www.cbn.gov.ng/Out/2020/RSD/CBN%202020%20Annual%20Report_Web.pdf
Central Bank of Nigeria. (2020). Guidelines for the implementation of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme. https://www.cbn.gov.ng/Out/2020/DFA/CBN%20Anchor%20Borrowers%20Programme pdf
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. (2020). E-extension services. Retrieved from https://www.fmard.gov.ng
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. (2020). The green alternative: Agriculture promotion policy 2016-2020.
https://fmard.gov.ng/the-green-alternative/
Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. (2020). National Broadband Plan 2020- 2025. https://www.commtech.gov.ng/Docs/Nigeria%20National%20Broadband%20Plan%20220-2025.pdf
Food and Agriculture Organization. (2021). Nigeria at a glance.
https://www.fao.org/nigeria/faoin-nigeria/nigeria-at-a-glance/en/
National Bureau of Statistics. (2020). Nigerian Gross Domestic Product report Q1 2020. https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/download/1120
Odeyemi, T. (2020). Climate change and its impact on Nigerian agriculture. *Journal of Environmental Management, 45*(2),89-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.03.002
Oladele, O. I. (2011). Agricultural extension services in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 15* (2), 24-36.
https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v15i2.1
Oladele, O. I., Fawole, P. O., & Okunlola, J. O. (2021). The role of mobile technology in enhancing agricultural productivity in Nigeria. *Journal of Agricultural Extension, 25* (3), 45-59. https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v25i3.5
Olam Nigeria. (2021). Olam International's precision farming initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.olamgroup.com
Olomola, A. S. (2018). Scaling up agricultural credit policies for inclusive growth in Nigeria. *Nigerian Journal of Agricultural Economics, 8*(2), 23-34.
https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.275912
Opara, U. N. (2020). Precision agriculture and its prospects in Nigeria. *International Journal of Agricultural Research, 15* (4), 207-219.
https://doi.org/10.3923/ijar.2020.207.219
Ozili, P. K. (2020). Advances in digital finance and financial inclusion: A review of challenges and opportunities in Nigeria. *Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance*, 28 (1), 47 - 56. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFRC-05-2019-0064
Thrive Agric. (2021). Our impact. Retrieved from https://www.thriveagric.com
World Bank. (2019). Enhancing agricultural productivity through improved infrastructure. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/09/05/agriculture-infrastructure-nigeria
World Bank. (2020). Nigeria digital economy diagnostic report.
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Akwapoly Journal of Communication & Scientific Research
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
