What's Happening?
A significant conference is set to take place in Umuahia, Nigeria, focusing on the transformation of the country's agricultural sector through digital farming. The event, organized by the Agricultural
Society of Nigeria (ASN), will occur from October 21 to 25, 2025, at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture and the National Root Crops Research Institute. The theme of the conference, 'Advancing Innovative Technologies, Skills and Digital Economy for Livelihood Diversification in Agriculture,' highlights the urgent need for Nigeria to transition from traditional farming methods to modern, technology-driven practices. Prof. Jude Mbanasor, the National President of ASN, emphasized the importance of this shift to unlock Nigeria's full agricultural potential and address the negative impacts of outdated farming techniques.
Why It's Important?
The push for digital farming in Nigeria is crucial as it aims to modernize the agricultural sector, which is a significant part of the country's economy. By adopting innovative technologies and digital skills, Nigeria can enhance productivity, improve food security, and create new economic opportunities. This transition is expected to attract investment, boost exports, and reduce reliance on food imports. The conference serves as a platform for experts and policymakers to collaborate on strategies that can drive this transformation, ultimately benefiting farmers, consumers, and the broader economy.
What's Next?
Following the conference, it is anticipated that there will be increased efforts to implement the discussed strategies and technologies across Nigeria's agricultural sector. Stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, and international partners, are expected to collaborate on initiatives that support the adoption of digital farming practices. This may include investments in infrastructure, training programs for farmers, and policy reforms to facilitate technological integration in agriculture.
Beyond the Headlines
The shift towards digital farming in Nigeria also raises important considerations regarding the digital divide and access to technology in rural areas. Ensuring that smallholder farmers can benefit from these advancements will require targeted efforts to provide affordable technology and training. Additionally, the move towards digital agriculture could lead to shifts in labor dynamics, necessitating new skills and potentially impacting traditional farming communities.
