To ensure food security and strengthen farmers’ capacity to thrive in the face of climate change, agricultural experts have stressed the need for increased adoption of digital tools in Nigeria’s farming communities.
This call was made by the Project Coordinator of the European Union-funded DIGISOL Project, Ajala Tajudeen, during a one-day training on digital financial solutions for farmers, cooperatives, and local authorities held at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.
Tajudeen explained that the training was designed to educate farmers and cooperative societies on how to apply digital technologies to boost sustainable agricultural practices in an era where climate change poses growing threats to food production.
He said the programme would also support digital production, processing, and knowledge-sharing on trade across the agricultural value chain.
“The goal is to empower farmers and cooperatives with the knowledge and tools needed to adapt and build resilience against climate-related shocks,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Professor Noah Yusuf, who was represented by Dean Faculty of Computer Science Dr. AbdulRauf Tosho, underscored the importance of integrating digital solutions into farming techniques as a proactive approach to combating the adverse effects of climate change.
He commended the European Union for its sponsorship of the project and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to partnering with development organisations to support local farmers to make their transactions in selling there farm produce seamlessly to their customers across the world.
“The university is deeply grateful for the EU’s support and encourages participants to fully utilise the opportunity by engaging with experts and forming productive networks,” he said.
The DIGISOL Project, which is currently being implemented by three Nigerian universities University of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo Owerri; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB); and Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin is part of a wider initiative to enhance agricultural resilience through technology and innovation.
Participants at the training were drawn from various farmer groups, cooperatives, and local government authorities within Kwara State.
By Dare Akogun
