By Boluwatife Adedokun
As the climate crisis deepens, agriculture in Nigeria—already vulnerable to erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and degrading soil quality—is facing new levels of uncertainty. But a fresh wave of AgriTech innovations is providing hope. From AI-powered decision tools to drought-resistant seeds and digital platforms connecting farmers to vital resources, startups and technology firms are helping to rewrite the future of food security in the country.
Rising Climate Threats to Agriculture
Nigeria, home to over 70 million smallholder farmers, is already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change. According to a World Bank report, climate variability is expected to shrink crop yields by up to 25% by 2050 if urgent action is not taken.
In particular, northern Nigeria is grappling with increasing desertification and erratic rainfall, which disrupts planting and harvesting seasons. The National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) warns that this unpredictability makes traditional farming practices obsolete, demanding a more tech-integrated approach.
AgriTech: A Rapidly Growing Sector
To mitigate these risks, Nigerian entrepreneurs are turning to AgriTech—technology solutions tailored for the agriculture sector. The number of AgriTech startups in Nigeria has grown steadily over the last five years. A TechCabal analysis found that Nigerian AgriTech startups attracted over $20 million in funding in 2022 alone, as investors respond to the urgency of climate adaptation.
AI-Driven Decision Tools
One of the most promising areas of innovation is AI-powered advisory systems. Startups like Crop2Cash and Zenvus are developing platforms that use satellite imagery, machine learning, and weather analytics to help farmers decide when to plant, which crops to grow, and how much water to use—minimizing risks tied to shifting climate conditions.
These digital solutions provide hyper-local insights, replacing guesswork with data. For instance, Zenvus uses smart sensors that monitor soil moisture and nutrients, helping farmers optimize inputs and boost yields.
Drought-Resistant and Climate-Smart Crops
Biotechnology is also playing a key role. Through partnerships with research institutions, Nigerian startups are breeding drought-tolerant and early-maturing seeds. The National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) reports that crops such as SAMPEA-20-T (a drought-resistant cowpea variety) can thrive even in semi-arid regions like Sokoto and Borno.
According to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), these climate-smart crops are essential in boosting food production while minimizing dependence on increasingly unreliable rainfall.
Solar-Powered Irrigation and Cold Chains
Limited access to water has led startups to deploy solar-powered irrigation systems and precision irrigation tech. FarmGrid is one such company helping rural farmers access off-grid water solutions for dry-season farming.
Meanwhile, post-harvest losses—estimated by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) at nearly 50% for fruits and vegetables—are being tackled by companies like ColdHubs. Their solar-powered cold rooms allow smallholders to store perishable crops for longer, reducing spoilage and improving income.
Agri-Fintech: Access to Finance for Climate Adaptation
Climate-smart agriculture needs financing—but traditional banks have largely excluded smallholder farmers. Fintech-driven AgriTech startups like ThriveAgric and AgroMall are bridging this gap by providing credit, insurance, and digital payment platforms tailored to farmers.
In 2023, ThriveAgric disbursed over ₦4.2 billion in funding to farmers across 21 states, many of whom used the funds to invest in improved seeds, irrigation kits, and training in sustainable practices.
Government and NGO Support
Policy backing is crucial. In 2022, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development launched a National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) to scale AgriTech solutions nationwide. Similarly, the African Development Bank has pledged over $2.5 billion under its “Feed Africa” strategy to support innovation-led farming across the continent, including Nigeria.
Local NGOs like Sahel Consulting and international partners such as GIZ and USAID are also providing technical assistance and capacity-building for tech-based agricultural resilience.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the growth, challenges remain. Infrastructure deficits, limited digital literacy, and policy inconsistency still hinder full AgriTech adoption. Rural broadband penetration stands at just 21%, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), limiting the reach of digital solutions.
Yet, the momentum is undeniable. AgriTech is no longer just about improving yields—it’s about climate survival. As the nation’s farmers grapple with an uncertain climate, technology offers a path not only to adapt, but to thrive.
