Expert makes case for AI adoption to tackle challenges in agriculture

Tech expert,  Adesokan Ayodeji, has highlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in revolutionising Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

He said AI technologies, including machine learning and predictive analytics, are set to enhance crop yields, optimise resource use, and improve supply chain efficiency.

According to a statement made available to According Online on Wednesday, Ayodeji said these innovations promise to address key challenges such as food security, climate change, and sustainable farming practices.

“By leveraging AI, farmers can gain insights into weather patterns, soil conditions, and pest control, leading to more informed decisions and higher productivity. This shift is expected to boost the agricultural economy and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s overall development,” he said.

Ayodeji, a Consultant at Ambiance Media Limited, explained that agriculture is a critical sector in Nigeria, employing about 70 per cent of the labour force and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.

However, the tech expert observed that the sector faces numerous challenges, including poor infrastructure, limited access to modern technology, unpredictable weather patterns, and inefficient farming practices.

“In recent years, Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool to address these issues and drive agricultural reform in Nigeria. This explores the importance of AI in transforming Nigerian agriculture and its potential to enhance productivity, sustainability, and food security.

“AI technologies enable precision farming, which involves the use of data analytics, machine learning, and IoT devices to optimise agricultural practices. Sensors and drones equipped with AI can monitor soil health, crop growth, and weather conditions in real time. This information allows farmers to make data-driven decisions on irrigation, fertilisation, and pest control, resulting in higher yields and reduced resource wastage.

“Pests and diseases are major threats to crop production in Nigeria. AI-powered systems can analyze images of crops to detect early signs of infestations and diseases. Machine learning algorithms can identify patterns and predict outbreaks, enabling farmers to take preventive measures. This proactive approach reduces crop losses and minimises the need for chemical pesticides, promoting sustainable farming practices.

“Nigeria’s agriculture is highly vulnerable to climate change, with unpredictable weather patterns and extreme events affecting crop production. AI can help farmers adapt to these changes by providing accurate weather forecasts and climate models. By analysing historical weather data and current trends, AI systems can predict droughts, floods, and other climate-related challenges, allowing farmers to plan accordingly and mitigate risks.

“Access to market information is crucial for farmers to make informed decisions about what to plant and when to sell their produce. AI-powered platforms can analyse market trends, demand, and prices, providing farmers with valuable insights. This information helps farmers maximise their profits and reduce post-harvest losses by aligning their production with market demand.

“The agricultural supply chain in Nigeria is often fragmented and inefficient, leading to significant post-harvest losses. AI can streamline supply chain operations by improving logistics, inventory management, and distribution. Machine learning algorithms can optimise routes for transportation, ensuring timely delivery of produce and reducing spoilage. This efficiency benefits both farmers and consumers by reducing costs and ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce,” Ayodeji said.

He further explained that many smallholder farmers in Nigeria lack access to financial services and education, thereby limiting their ability to invest in modern farming techniques and equipment.

“AI-driven fintech solutions can assess creditworthiness based on alternative data sources, such as mobile phone usage and transaction history. This enables farmers to access loans and insurance products, empowering them to adopt innovative technologies and improve their productivity.

“AI can also play a role in educating and training farmers. Mobile apps and AI-powered chatbots can provide farmers with information on best practices, pest control, and crop management. These tools can offer personalised advice based on the specific conditions of each farm, helping farmers implement modern techniques and improve their yields.

“The integration of AI in agriculture holds immense potential for driving agricultural reform in Nigeria. By enhancing precision farming, pest and disease management, climate adaptation, market intelligence, supply chain optimisation, financial inclusion, and education, AI can address the critical challenges facing the sector.

“As Nigeria continues to embrace AI technologies, it is essential to ensure that these innovations are accessible to all farmers, particularly smallholders, to achieve inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth,” he concluded.