By Boluwatife Adedokun
When the Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) announced the successful training of over 600 farmers across five local governments in Benue State earlier yesterday, it was celebrated as a step in the right direction for rural agricultural development. The farmers, drawn from Agatu, Gwer-West, Guma, Gwer-East, and Kwande, were equipped with skills in budgeting, savings, credit use, insurance, and farming techniques through the Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF) under the FGN/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP)
But beneath the success story lies a deeper challenge: despite a growing wave of AgriTech innovations sweeping across Nigeria, from mobile apps and drone technologies to precision farming and blockchain-powered platforms, these tools are barely scratching the surface in rural communities.
The digital divide remains stark, raising critical questions: why are these innovations not reaching the people who arguably need them the most, and what can be done to close the gap?
The Promise of AgriTech
Agricultural technology, or AgriTech, is revolutionizing farming across the world. In countries like Kenya, apps such as M-Farm allow farmers to check current market prices and connect with buyers directly, cutting off exploitative middlemen. In Nigeria, platforms like Farmcrowdy, Thrive Agric, and Crop2Cash promise similar transformation—boosting productivity, improving market access, and enhancing financial inclusion for farmers.
According to a 2022 report by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), Sub-Saharan Africa’s AgriTech sector raised over $60 million in funding between 2016 and 2021. Nigeria accounted for 23% of these ventures, the highest in the region.
Yet, for farmers in different rural areas, the story is different.
The Disconnect: Why Rural Farmers Are Left Behind
Despite the buzz around AgriTech, several key barriers continue to limit its penetration in Nigeria’s rural farming communities:
1. Digital Illiteracy and Low Smartphone Penetration
Many farmers, particularly older ones, have little to no experience with smartphones or digital platforms. A 2023 survey by found that only few rural farmers in Nigeria use smartphones, and even fewer access the internet regularly.
2. Poor Network Infrastructure
Many rural communities lack reliable internet or mobile network coverage. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), over 35 million Nigerians, mostly in rural areas, are still without access to broadband services as of late 2024.
3. Language and Design Barriers
Most AgriTech platforms are developed in English, which is not the primary language of communication in many rural communities. Apps that fail to offer local language support often alienate potential users.
4. Lack of Trust and Awareness
Even when tools are available, farmers may not trust them. Years of failed promises and scam platforms have bred skepticism. Many prefer face-to-face interactions or traditional cooperatives.
Government Efforts: A Start, But Not Enough
The recent IFAD-led training programme in Benue is part of an effort to bridge the gap through platforms like the Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF), which connects farmers with processors, off-takers, and financial institutions. Supported by Sterling Bank and Winichfarms, the CAF model aims to promote financial literacy and digital inclusion.
CAF’s model is built on the 4Ps: Public-Private-Producers-Partnership, which integrates all actors across the value chain. According to Dr Emmanuel Igbaukum, Benue State Project Coordinator for VCDP, CAF also helps resolve farmer-level conflicts and monitors the sustainability of interventions.
But such interventions remain limited in scope and scale. While 600 farmers in five LGAs benefited in Benue, millions of others across the country are yet to be reached.
What Can Be Done: From Policy to Practice
For AgriTech to thrive beyond urban centers and startup showcases, stakeholders must address the systemic barriers keeping rural farmers disconnected:
1. Build Last-Mile Infrastructure
Investment in rural internet and mobile network coverage is critical. Government must partner with private telecoms to fast-track broadband rollout in farming communities, perhaps through universal service funds.
2. Design for the User—Not the Investor
AgriTech solutions must be designed with the rural farmer in mind. That means apps in local languages, USSD or voice-based interfaces for feature phones, and human support services.
3. Leverage Radio and Cooperatives for Awareness
Traditional media like community radio remain powerful in rural areas. Integrating AgriTech awareness into local broadcasts and community meetings can help bridge the knowledge gap.
4. Public-Private Collaboration
Government must provide enabling policies and seed funding to encourage tech firms to serve rural markets. Tax incentives, grants, or low-interest loans can make it more attractive for startups to target underserved areas.
5. Strengthen Extension Services with Digital Tools
Nigeria’s agricultural extension system is underfunded and understaffed. Training extension workers on AgriTech tools and equipping them with devices to support digital onboarding can be a game changer.
Beyond the Buzzwords
AgriTech has the potential to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector, boost food security, and lift millions out of poverty. But this transformation will not happen through apps alone. It requires thoughtful design, inclusive policies, and grassroots engagement.
Until then, the gap between tech and soil remains wide—and the farmers who feed the nation continue to be left behind.
Have a story to share about rural farmers and digital access? Email The Harbinger at harbingerwebsite2@gmail.com
