Using Digital Technology to Combat Climate Change and Boost Food Production

Summary: A workshop funded the European Union was held at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) to discuss the findings of a baseline study on the effects of climate change on agriculture in remote communities in Imo, Ogun, and Kwara States. The workshop aimed to explore the use of digital technology as a means to combat the challenges faced farmers in these communities. The Digital Financial Solutions for Farmers in Remote Communities (DIFISOL) Project, led Prof. Adewale Dipeolu, aims to provide innovative digital solutions and sustainable farming techniques to uplift agriculture in rural areas. The project conducted a baseline study to assess farmers’ awareness of digital solutions and their affordability and effectiveness in combating climate change. The findings from the study will be used to develop an application that will be made available to farmers in Imo, Ogun, and Kwara States. The app will be translated into Yoruba, Igbo, and Fulani/Hausa to ensure its accessibility to farmers across the country. The primary beneficiaries of this project are rural farmers, with a focus on women and young individuals involved in farming. Local authorities, telecoms providers, and officials in various Nigerian localities will also benefit from specialized training in digital solutions for sustainable agricultural practices. The project is expected to benefit over 3,000,000 individuals residing in rural communities.

The workshop, funded the European Union, discussed the baseline study conducted the Digital Financial Solutions for Farmers in Remote Communities (DIFISOL) Project to assess the effects of climate change on agriculture in remote communities in Imo, Ogun, and Kwara States. The aim of the project is to combat the challenges faced Nigerian farmers, especially those in remote areas, through the use of digital technology and sustainable farming techniques.

Prof. Adewale Dipeolu, the team leader of the DIFISOL Project, emphasized the need to find innovative digital solutions to address the multifaceted challenges faced farmers, such as climate change, erratic rainfall, erosion, and pest and disease outbreaks. These challenges have left farmers vulnerable, particularly those residing in remote rural areas.

The DIFISOL Project envisions a future where digital technology plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable agricultural practices. The project conducted a baseline study in Imo, Ogun, and Kwara States to assess farmers’ awareness of digital solutions and their affordability. The findings from this study will guide the development of an application that will be made available to farmers in these states, with translations in Yoruba, Igbo, and Fulani/Hausa to ensure accessibility.