A group of agricultural experts under the platform, Digital Solutions (DIGISOL), has introduced a mobile technology application designed to help farmers adopt efficient, sustainable and smart agricultural practices.
The EU-funded project was unveiled during a two-day workshop for farmers and stakeholders at the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo, Imo State.
Speaking at the event, the Project Manager and Vice-Chancellor of UAES, Prof. Christopher Eze, said the initiative would strengthen knowledge transfer between universities, tech hubs and small businesses.
“DIGISOL Project is both research and assistance to farmers who practice in remote areas of Nigeria, particularly the three sampled states of Imo, Ogun and Kwara,” Eze said, expressing optimism about future expansion.
The platform, he explained, would give farmers access to knowledge, funding, and networks for purchasing inputs and marketing their produce.
DIGISOL Team Lead, Mr. Chris Addy-Nayo, said collaboration between academia, the private sector and government was vital to improving agriculture, research and innovation.
Similarly, the National Coordinator, Prof. Chinasaokwu Onyemauwa, said outcomes from the workshop would be applied to strengthen SMEs and farming practices nationwide.
Representatives from partner institutions, Dr. Ajala Tajudeen of Al-Hikmah University, Kwara, and Dr. Folasade Oke of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, stressed the importance of digitalising agriculture and SMEs to tackle food insecurity.
DIGISOL ICT Director, Dr. Leonard Orji, unveiled the integrated mobile app, while ICT Consultant, Mr. Destiny Brotobo, demonstrated its features—providing farmers with real-time information on climate, seasonal tips, funding, networking and market access.
Other speakers at the workshop included Chiara Frencia, Secretary-General of Startup Europe Regions Network (SERN); Claudia Baracchini, Coordinator of FI4INN; Engr. Emmanuel Amadi, DIGISOL Telecon Expert; and Barr. Stella Ezenduka, General Manager of Imo Digital City.
Participants described the workshop as both “enriching and productive.”
Source - https://guardian.ng
