In Nigeria’s farmlands, where unpredictable weather patterns and soil degradation threaten food production, farmers are turning to technology to fight back.

Climate change has made traditional farming methods increasingly unreliable, forcing many to embrace innovative solutions.

From AI-driven soil analysis to precision farming and drone technology, these advancements are revolutionizing Nigerian agriculture.

The Role of Precision Farming in Climate Resilience

For decades, Nigerian farmers relied on guesswork to determine when to plant, irrigate, or fertilize their crops. But today, precision farming—a method that uses data analytics and technology to optimize farming processes—is changing the game.

According to a study published in the Fane-Fane International Journal in 2023, precision farming can increase yields by up to 30% while reducing resource wastage. By integrating satellite imagery, IoT sensors, and AI-based recommendations, farmers can monitor soil moisture levels, predict weather changes, and apply fertilizers with pinpoint accuracy.

One such farmer benefiting from this technology is Adebayo Ibrahim, a maize farmer in Kaduna. In an interview with The Harbinger, he explained how a mobile app developed by a local agritech startup helps him determine the best time to irrigate his fields. “Before, I would water my crops every day, even when it wasn’t necessary. Now, the app tells me when my soil actually needs water, and I’ve saved so much on water and fertilizer,” he said.

Startups like Farmcrowdy and Hello Tractor are leading the charge by providing smallholder farmers with access to these precision tools.

Farmcrowdy, for instance, offers a digital platform that connects farmers with remote sensing technology, helping them monitor their crops in real-time.

Drones: The Eyes in the Sky for Nigerian Farmers

Another transformative technology reshaping Nigerian agriculture is the use of drones for soil mapping and crop health monitoring.

According to a report by AUDA-NEPAD in 2023, drones are being deployed across Nigeria to assess soil conditions, detect crop diseases early, and even spray pesticides efficiently.

One of the early adopters of drone technology is Oluchi Eze, a rice farmer in Enugu. With the help of Zenvus, a Nigerian agritech company, she has been able to detect areas of her farmland that need urgent attention. “Drones show me which part of my field is drying up or has pest infestations. Before, I would have lost a good portion of my harvest before even noticing the problem,” she explained.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has also recognized the impact of drone technology. In collaboration with ThriveAgric, a leading agritech firm, the government is piloting drone-assisted farming projects in different regions to help farmers optimize land use and conserve resources.

AI-Driven Soil Analysis: A Smart Solution for Soil Degradation

Soil degradation is one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s food security, but Artificial Intelligence (AI) is offering solutions. AI-powered soil analysis tools can assess soil fertility, detect nutrient deficiencies, and recommend the right treatment.

According to a research paper published by the Nigerian Institute of Soil Science (NISS) in 2024, AI-driven soil testing has helped farmers improve crop yields by providing tailored recommendations on soil treatment. Unlike traditional methods that rely on trial and error, these AI solutions provide real-time analysis, helping farmers make informed decisions.

One such initiative is led by Kitovu Technology, a Nigerian agritech startup that provides farmers with AI-powered insights on soil health. Umar Musa, a tomato farmer in Kano, shared his experience using Kitovu’s technology. “Before, I would just apply any fertilizer I could afford. Now, I know exactly what my soil lacks, and my crops are healthier than ever,” he said.

AI-driven platforms like Crop2Cash are also helping farmers make better decisions by predicting weather patterns and giving real-time advisories on pest control and irrigation needs.

Challenges Facing Tech Adoption in Nigerian Agriculture

Despite these promising advancements, significant challenges remain.

According to the FAO’s Nigeria at a Glance report, Nigeria’s agricultural sector faces many challenges impacting productivity, including poor land tenure systems, low levels of irrigation farming, climate change, and land degradation.

Funding and affordability also pose challenges. Many of these technologies require initial capital investment that smallholder farmers often cannot afford. While organizations like AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa) and USAID are working to subsidize these costs, there is still a long way to go.

Additionally, the lack of technical training has hindered the full adoption of agritech innovations. Many farmers still rely on traditional farming techniques, and without adequate training, they may struggle to use advanced technology effectively.

The Future of Tech-Driven Agriculture in Nigeria

Despite these challenges, the future of technology in Nigerian agriculture looks promising.

According to the FAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022–2031, economic damages from climate change have been detected in climate-exposed sectors, with regional effects on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.

The Nigerian government is also taking steps to encourage agritech innovation. Initiatives like the National Digital Agriculture Strategy (NDAS) aim to integrate digital solutions into farming practices nationwide. In addition, private-sector collaborations with organizations like Google AI for Agriculture and Microsoft FarmBeats are helping drive innovation forward.