Revolutionizing Agriculture in Nigeria: How AI and Mobile Technology Are Transforming Farming Practices
Jos, Nigeria – Dandam Nangor, a 34-year-old Nigerian who balances his career as an IT analyst with farming, no longer needs to physically inspect his pepper greenhouses. With just a few taps on his smartphone, he can determine the optimal time to water his crops, apply fertilizers or pesticides, and regulate the temperature inside his greenhouses.
This shift is made possible by a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool developed by a local startup, Green Eden, which aims to propel the Jos region in central Nigeria into the era of “Agriculture 2.0.” Jos, the capital of Plateau State, is renowned for its temperate climate and thriving vegetable farming industry, supplying fresh produce to markets across the country. However, like many other regions, it is grappling with the devastating effects of climate change, including unpredictable droughts, heavy rainfall, and extreme weather events. These challenges threaten Nigeria’s food security in a nation where agriculture accounts for over 20% of the GDP and supports millions of livelihoods.
A Mobile Solution to Climate Challenges
Since adopting Green Eden’s AI-powered tool a year ago, Nangor has been able to precisely regulate water usage for his pepper crops, resulting in a yield increase of 400 kilograms. The system relies on probes embedded in the soil that collect data on temperature, pH levels, and moisture, which are then processed by a central unit and transmitted to a mobile app.
Stephanie Meltus, the 21-year-old founder of Green Eden and a pharmacy student, developed the solution to address the disruptions caused by climate change. Her technology has already been deployed across more than 70 farms, funded initially by personal savings and later by foundations and corporate sponsors. Meltus believes that the future of agriculture lies in embracing new technologies, aiming to bridge the gap for an Africa “often perceived as lagging behind.”
The Rise of Agritech
Globally, the agritech sector, also known as precision agriculture, has gained traction among investors and governments for its potential to address pressing agricultural challenges. In Nigeria, where most farmers operate small plots of land—often less than two hectares—and rely on subsistence farming, the impact of climate change is particularly severe.
Nuhu Adamu Gworgwor, an agronomy professor at the University of Jos, emphasizes that new technologies enable farmers to “gather vast amounts of data quickly” and make “informed decisions to maximize resources.” He notes that traditional crops are disappearing due to drought, yields are plummeting, and many farmers are abandoning their fields altogether.
Empowering Poultry Farmers
In Jos, 24-year-old Miriam Agbo has taken a similar approach with her startup, Anatsor, which focuses on poultry farming. Her system uses sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, air quality, and water conditions in chicken coops, transmitting the data to a mobile app. This innovation reduces the workload for farmers and helps mitigate the effects of temperature fluctuations, which can cause chickens to stop eating in extreme heat or huddle together dangerously in cold conditions.
Mercy Atsuku Msenhemba, a poultry farmer, describes adopting Anatsor’s system as “the best decision of my life.” She receives real-time notifications about when to change water or adjust temperatures, eliminating the need for nighttime checks. As a result, her chickens’ mortality rate has dropped significantly, and her stress levels have decreased. At $150, the system is both affordable and highly effective.
Satellite Imagery and AI for Crop Protection
Gambo Wadams Zakka, an English literature student at the University of Jos, has developed AgriTech Innovator, a system combining satellite imagery, sensors, and AI to help farmers combat pests and optimize market timing. The system sends SMS alerts about pest invasions, enabling farmers to apply pesticides promptly. It also provides local market prices, helping farmers decide the best time to sell their produce.
Michael Inyam Itsegok, a farmer with 25 years of experience growing potatoes, bananas, and cucumbers, sees the tool as a game-changer for overcoming weather-related losses. “It’s perfect,” he says.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the enthusiasm for agritech, critics argue that these technologies often overlook sustainable practices like agroecology. However, in a country where 33 million people are projected to need food assistance by 2025, according to the World Food Programme, the urgency to boost agricultural productivity is undeniable.
The road to a full-scale agricultural revolution in Nigeria remains long. Innovation largely depends on individual initiatives rather than comprehensive public investment policies, and internet connectivity stands at just 40%, with even lower rates in rural areas. Stephanie Meltus acknowledges the need to “train and educate” farmers on using these tools, including basic skills like navigating mobile apps.
As Nigeria’s farmers face the dual challenges of climate change and food insecurity, the integration of AI and mobile technology offers a glimmer of hope. For pioneers like Nangor, Agbo, and Zakka, the future of farming is not just about survival—it’s about thriving in a rapidly changing world.
