Digital Green Nigeria, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, is deploying digital technology to help farmers get faster and better access to extension services across the country.
The pledge was made by David Edimu, Country Lead for Digital Green Nigeria, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja.
Edimu said Nigeria faces a serious extension service deficit, noting that the current ratio of one extension agent to about 8,000 farmers is grossly inadequate for effective service delivery.
He said the figure falls far below the Food and Agriculture Organisation standard of one extension agent to a maximum of 600 farmers.
“We want extension services in the hands of every farmer, so they no longer wait five to seven days without seeing an extension agent,” Edimu said.
He explained that farmers are accessing timely and relevant information through a digital application designed to improve productivity.
“Our intention is to ensure farmers get the right information at the right time through a digital app,” he added.
Edimu said Digital Green maintains a strong partnership with IFAD, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
“With timely access to information, farmers can improve productivity and close existing gaps,” he said.
He stressed the need to move away from conventional approaches and adopt innovative methods to boost agricultural output.
Edimu said the organisation’s AI driven solutions allow farmers to access information in their local languages.
“We speak local languages to bridge literacy gaps. Not speaking English should not stop anyone from using the app,” he said.
He disclosed that Hausa language has been embedded on the platform, while Igbo and Yoruba are currently being integrated.
Edimu identified Kano State as a key state where the programme has gained prominence.
He said one extension agent supporting 400 farmers installed the app for 100 farmers with android phones.
“This reduced his workload to 300 farmers without smartphones, effectively bridging the extension gap,” Edimu said.
He added that households could share information using one or two phones, significantly reducing the extension service gap nationwide.
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