Agricultural extension experts are exploring the adoption of new technology to increase food security

Experts have explored the integration of artificial intelligence and emerging relevant technological innovations into agricultural extension practices to improve agricultural production and strengthen the pursuit of food security.

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

At the conference, themed ‘Harnessing the Dynamics of Agricultural Extension Policy for Sustainable Development’, participants reiterated the need to revive and unleash the potential of technology by efficiently mobilizing resources for a full exploration of e-extension services to stimulate all facets of agriculture. Agriculture.

Setting the tone for the conference was the President, AESON, Professor Yusuf Idrisa, “. Through its annual conferences, the association has brought together extension practitioners and academics in the field of agricultural extension to generate and share ideas to advance agricultural extension practice.”

One of the key highlights of the meeting was to chart a path forward to address the food availability and affordability problem plaguing the country.

The participants noted that given the current reality of grave concerns over feeding Nigeria’s teeming population, governments at all levels have joined various global initiatives and launched policies to ensure food security.

They said that the various initiatives to boost agriculture and food security can only be achievable if there is synergy with experts in agricultural extension services as they are well-placed to utilize this opportunity to advance agricultural extension policy for sustainable development strengthen.

Idrisa said the Federal Government’s National Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS) was commendable but its objectives would become more achievable if AESON was given the opportunity to play its deserved role in the programme.

They therefore stated that “the research extension linkage should be revived through mass recruitment of extension personnel in agricultural development programs and associated agencies in states.

“The current practice of ad hoc staffing in different nomenclatures by governments at all levels is unacceptable, unsustainable and can only be counterproductive.”

Other recommendations made at the conference include the deployment of the e-Extension system and artificial intelligence (AI) for agricultural production systems, as these tools are still not being used to their maximum potential.

Furthermore, all international proclamations on climate change mitigation must be implemented by governments at all levels in Nigeria by promoting the adoption of climate smart practices by teeming Nigerian farmers to improve 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 yields.

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 been with us for decades.

According to her, the problems include low adoption of modern technology and low productivity, as well as poor storage facilities. Professor Oladiji said: “Solutions had been found to most of the problems, but the gap between researchers and farmers seemed to have persisted. Therefore, agricultural extension experts should be given all necessary support to fulfill their role effectively and efficiently.”

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

During the keynote speech, project director ACCLAWA, International Labor Organization Dr. Agatha Kolawale actions to ensure sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria, including the introduction of a legal working age, promotion of recent employment for youth of legal working age, social protection, provision of entrepreneurial development funds and reducing associated economic vulnerabilities deal with child labor.

She said youth play an important role in promoting technological innovations in agriculture and should be equipped with proper educational training so that they can effectively contribute their quota to agricultural development in the country.

In goodwill, Ondo State reports. Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Hon. Olayato Aribo said the government will always provide unadulterated 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 Communications, FUTA said the objective 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 awarded the fellowship of the association during the conference.

By Chimezie Godfrey