Digital Transformation has the potential to revolutionize agricultural markets inNigeria and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the development of digital literacy among rural farmers.
This will enable them to effectively utilize digital platforms, access larger markets,and ultimately improve their livelihoods and economic resilience.
As a result,governments in the region have recognized the importance of digitizing all sectors of the economy, including food and agriculture.To facilitate market access for smallholder farmers in Nigeria, the Office for NigerianDigital Innovation (ONDI) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have launched the "Survey on Digitization of Market Access for Small Scale Nigerian Farms".
This initiative is a key component of the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach, which aims to integrate digital solutions into agricultural practices.
To achieve this, ONDI and JICA have partnered with AGROVESTO, a fast-growing Nigerian Agritech startup transforming the agro-commodities market through digital technology. The survey will serve as a proof of concept and will focus on two states: the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) and Nasarawa state.
The SHEP approach has already played a significant role in building capacities among farmers inNigeria through training, market-oriented approach, and bridging the knowledge gap. The new survey initiative, led by ONDI and JICA and implemented by AGROVESTO,aims to explore how digital technologies can further enhance market access,improve efficiency, and increase income for small-scale farmers.The survey's main goals include evaluating the current digital capabilities and requirements of smallholder farmers in Nigeria, investigating how digital tools can streamline market access, enhance price transparency, and establish direct connections between farmers and buyers, designing training programs to improve farmers' digital literacy and proficiency in using digital platforms, and gathering data to guide policy and program decisions, ensuring that interventions are tailored to farmers' actual needs.
AGROVESTO, with its expertise in building digital technologies to facilitate trade and market improvement will utilize its startup model to digitize market access for small-scale Nigerian farms.
By employing state-of-the-art technology and innovative solutions, AGROVESTO will facilitate direct connections between farmers and markets, thereby enhancing transparency and efficiency in the agricultural value chain.ONDI and JICA are dedicated to leveraging their expertise and resources to drive digital innovation in Nigeria's agricultural sector. Through collaboration withAGROVESTO and other local and international stakeholders, including government agencies, agricultural organizations, and tech companies, this initiative aims to establish a strong ecosystem that supports the digital transformation of agriculture.
Mr. Akira HOKAMURA,Project Formulation Advisor from JICA Nigeria Office, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: "The launch of this survey marks a pivotal step in our efforts to integrate digital solutions into the SHEP approach. We believe that digitization will play a crucial role in enhancing market access and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Nigeria."
In his keynote address, the Director General of the National Information TechnologyDevelopment Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, represented by Engr.Salisu Kaka, highlighted the importance of digital innovation having the potential to revolutionize agriculture in Nigeria and solve the problem of food insecurity which the country is currently facing.
Furthermore, the CEO of AGROVESTO, Mr Bayo Adewoye added: "We are excited to partner with ONDI andJICA on this transformative initiative, our goal is to leverage digital technology to create seamless market access for small-scale Nigerian farmers,ensuring they get premium prices for their produce and can compete in the global markets."This survey is part of broader efforts to define the future direction for the SHEP approach which the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) will sustain further. Our hope is that beyond this proof of concept, the survey will be conducted across multiple states in Nigeria, targeting a diverse range of smallholder farmers. The findings will be used to develop and implement digital tools and solutions tailored to the needs of the farming community. The project will also include pilot programs to test and refine these digital solutions before scaling them nationwide. Therefore, ONDI, JICA, and AGROVESTO invite all stakeholders, including policymakers, agricultural experts, tech innovators,and farmers to join hands in this groundbreaking initiative. Together, we can harness the power of digital technology to transform Nigeria's agricultural sector and create a brighter future for smallholder farmers.
AGROVESTO is enhancing digital capabilities to support small-scale farmers, entrepreneurs,women, youth, and other vulnerable groups. Through its initiatives, the startup is driving digital innovations in rural areas, promoting economic opportunities, social unity, and improved quality of life.
Meanwhile, JICA has developed a knowledge platform showcasing numerous impactful solutions in the agrifood sector and is facilitating public-private partnerships to address challenges in technology adoption by smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs.This includes integrating tailored digital advisory, e-commerce, and fintech services.
On the other hand,ONDI is contributing to the transformation of agriculture nationwide by providing an environment and tools to boost innovation among technology startups including Agrigtech to enhance productivity and establish resilient,sustainable, and inclusive agri-food systems.
