Agricultural Extension Services  Experts Canvass Adoption of New Technology to Drive Food Security  

Experts have canvassed the integration of Artificial Intelligence and emerging  relevant technological innovations into agricultural extension practices in order to improve agricultural production and firm up the drive for food security.

This was the fulcrum of opinion at the Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria (AESON) 29th Annual Conference which held from 21st to 24th April 2024 at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA).

At the conference, with the theme, “Leveraging the Dynamics of Agricultural Extension Policy for Sustainable Development,” participants reiterated the need to reinvigorate and unleash the potential of technology by efficiently mobilizing resources for full exploration of e-Extension services to boost all facets of agriculture.

Setting the tone for the Conference, the President, AESON , Professor Yusuf Idrisa said “. Through the annual conferences, the society has brought together extension practitioners and academics in the field of agricultural extension to generate and share ideas for moving agricultural extension practice forward.”

One of the major highlights of the gathering was the charting a pathway to tackle the problem of food availability and affordability bedeviling the country.  

Participants noted that given the current realities of serious concerns over feeding Nigeria’s teeming population, governments at all levels keyed into several global initiatives and launch policies to ensure food security.

They said the various initiatives to boost agriculture and food security can only be realizable if there is a synergy with experts in agricultural extension services  as they are   in the vantage position to leverage this opportunity to enhance the Agricultural Extension Policy for Sustainable Development.  

Idrisa said  the National Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS) of the Federal Government was commendable but its goals would become more realizable if AESON will have the opportunity to play its deserved role in the programme. 

They therefore canvassed that, “Research extension linkage should be reinvigorated by massive recruitment of extension personnel across agricultural development programmes and associated agencies in states.

“The current practice of ad-hoc staff in several nomenclatures by governments at all levels is not acceptable, unsustainable and can only be counter-productive.”

Other recommendations proffered at the conference include the deployment of e-Extension system and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for agricultural production system as these tools are still not maximally exploited. 

Additionally all international proclamations regarding climate change mitigation should be actioned by governments at all levels in Nigeria by promoting the adoption of climate-smart practices by teeming Nigerian farmers to enhance the quality and quantity of food production in the country. There was also a call for partnerships of extension personnel with research institutes for innovative processes and linkages  that can  increase agricultural yield.  

In her address, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA  Professor Adenike Oladiji, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic , Professor Taiwo Amos noted that several challenges facing agriculture in Nigeria have remained with us for decades.

According to her , the  problems include  low application of modern technology and low productivity, as well as poor storage facilities among others.  Professor Oladiji said , “Solutions had been found to most of the problems but the gap between the researchers and the farmers seemed to have remained. That is why the Agricultural Extension experts should be given all the necessary support to play their roles effectively and efficiently.”

Professor Oladiji pointed out that ” this is necessary not only for production of food crops but also all agricultural practices that add value to the economy”

Delivering the keynote address, Project Director, ACCLAWA,  International Labor Organization  Dr. Agatha Kolawale highlighted actions to ensure sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria to include adoption of a legal working age, promotion of recent work for youths  of legal working age , social protection, provision of funds for entrepreneurial development and mitigating economic vulnerabilities associated with child labour.

She said youths play a significant role in promoting technological innovations in agriculture and must be equipped with sound educational training so that they can effectively contribute their quota to agricultural development in the country.

In a good will message the Ondo State. Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Hon. Olayato Aribo said the government will always give unalloyed support to agricultural activities through mobilization and subsidized inputs.

On his part, the Conference Coordinator , Professor Olaniyi Okunlola of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication , FUTA  said the aim of the conference was to equip participants with knowledge that will further enhance their understanding and ability to address contemporary issues in Agriculture.

Five members ,Senator Prof. Anthony Ani, Professor Kuta Yahaya, Dr. Oluwole Akinnagbe Dr. Fadullah Isah and Dr. Philip Ifejika were conferred with the fellowship of the Association during the conference.

By Chimezie Godfrey