How technology can be leveraged to revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria, by Adigwe

Nnamdi Richie Adigwe is a software engineer and the co-founder Uplifting Youth Through Agriculture (UYOTA). In this interview with NGOZI OkPALAKUNNE, he spoke on how technology can be leveraged to revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria: Excerpts.

What informed your interest in agriculture?

My parents were deeply involved in agriculture, so my interest in the field developed naturally long before I became a software engineer. Also, my participation in agricultural tour to Thailand some years back was a motivating factor.

However, my focus now is on how technology can be leveraged to revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria.

I believe software engineering plays a crucial role in advancing smart farming techniques, improving supply chain efficiency, and making agriculture more accessible and profitable for young people.

Having participated in an agricultural tour in Thailand, what lessons do you think Nigeria can learn from the way agriculture is practised there?

Thailand’s agricultural sector is a model of efficiency, innovation, and government support. One of the key lessons Nigeria can learn is the integration of technology and mechanisation in farming. Thailand has successfully modernised its agricultural practices by adopting precision farming, automated irrigation systems, and drone technology to improve productivity.

Another major takeaway is value addition and agro-processing. Thailand does not just focus on raw crop production, it invests heavily in processing and packaging, ensuring that agricultural products meet global market standards. Nigeria can benefit from this approach by developing local processing industries to reduce post-harvest losses and increase export potential.

Lastly, agriculture in Thailand is youth-inclusive and market-driven, with a strong emphasis on agribusiness. Encouraging Nigerian youth to see agriculture as a profitable and tech-driven industry rather than just traditional farming can help attract more young people into the sector and drive sustainable growth.

What should be the role of Nigeria’s youths in agricultural development?

Nigeria’s youths make up over 60 percent of the population, yet many young people shy away from agriculture, often perceiving it as an outdated sector with limited opportunities. However, the adoption of modern farming techniques, precision agriculture, and agri-tech innovations can transform the industry. Young people, being more adaptable to technology, have a crucial role in modernising agriculture whether through smart farming, digital marketplaces, or mechanisation.

By embracing innovation and entrepreneurship, they can make agriculture a key driver of economic growth and food security in Nigeria.

What are the challenges facing agricultural sector, and what is the way forward?

The agricultural sector in Nigeria faces several challenges, including poor infrastructure, climate change, inefficient farming practices, pest and disease outbreaks, and limited access to credit and financing.

These issues hinder productivity and discourage young people from pursuing careers in agriculture.

To address these challenges, the government should take a proactive approach by investing in infrastructure such as irrigation systems, storage facilities, and road networks to improve access to markets.

There is also need for the government to promote sustainable farming practices to combat climate change and increase resilience against environmental challenges.

The government should also provide access to credit and financial support for farmers, particularly young agripreneurs, to encourage investment in modern farming techniques and agribusiness ventures.

There is also need to strengthen research and innovation in agriculture to introduce more efficient and sustainable farming methods.

How can the government encourage youth involvement in agriculture?

To attract young people to agriculture, the government should modernise the perception of farming by integrating technology and demonstrating how it can make agriculture more profitable and less labor-intensive.

Showcasing modern farming technologies, such as precision farming, automated irrigation, and drone-assisted agriculture, can make the sector more appealing to young people.

Also, encouraging youth to see farming as a business opportunity rather than just a traditional occupation can also attract youth to be involved in agriculture. This can be achieved through incentives, startup funding, and agribusiness incubators.

On the other hand, implementing targeted agricultural programmes, workshops, and mentorship initiatives will expose young people to innovative farming techniques and agribusiness strategies.

Providing subsidies, grants, and low-interest loans to young agripreneurs will reduce entry barriers and enable them to build sustainable businesses.

Also, creating platforms for young farmers to connect with investors, industry experts, and experienced farmers will help share knowledge and create growth opportunities.

Another way of encouraging youth involvement in agriculture is by highlighting success stories of young agripreneurs and promoting agriculture through media and social campaigns, these can reshape the perception of farming and encourage more youth participation.

On our part as an NGO, to empower Africa’s young generation to lead the continent’s agricultural transformation, we will be holding Africa youth agri-business summit and awards later in the year.

The summit will provide training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for young people interested in agribusiness.

By equipping them with modern farming techniques and business skills, it encourages youth participation in agriculture.

How can rural youths be involved in the upcoming summit, and how will they benefit?

Uplifting Youths Through Agriculture is a rural-based NGO, and that’s why our headquarters is located in the village, so we can be close to the grassroots and understand the unique developmental needs of rural youths.

To ensure inclusivity, we are partnering with the Ministry of Youths and have also written to the President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). We believe engaging local government chairpersons and counselors is one of the most effective ways to reach rural youths directly.

In addition, our royal fathers play a pivotal role in rural mobilisation. That’s why we actively partner with traditional leaders in every community where UYOTA is, like Etsu Nupe, Alhaji. Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe.

Through their support, and with the right collaborations, we’re confident rural youths will not only participate in the summit but also gain exposure, training, and opportunities for agribusiness advancement.

How can farmers partner with the government and other stakeholders to ensure Nigeria overcomes food insecurity?

Food security can be achieved through government support and policy implementation.

Adoption of drought-resistant crops and regenerative agriculture can improve food security.

Also, discussions on precision farming, climate-smart agriculture, and digital platforms can help increase food production and reduce post-harvest losses.