The Federal Government says it has launched the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP), a digital initiative to improve farmers’ productivity and enhance agricultural extension services in Nigeria.
Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, who disclosed this while speaking at the National Agricultural Extension Research Summit in Abuja, said that NEEP would help bridge the gap between research institutions and farmers, making vital agricultural information more accessible.
The platform is designed to work with the National Agricultural and Extension System (NARES) and other relevant institutions to address the low ratio of extension agents to farmers.
Minister: NEEP digital platform makes agriculture information more accessible
According to Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, “farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector will now have access to good and impactful agricultural information on a real-time basis as the platform is interactive, cost-effective, and bypasses the risk of insecurity associated with extension service delivery in the country.”
The platform would also provide real time access to important agricultural information that opens access to interactive and cost effective alternatives to traditional extension service for farmers. At the same time, the Minister said, it will reduce security risks faced by field agents.
Dr. Abdullahi highlighted the government’s efforts to improve productivity through technology, including the distribution of tractors for land preparation, planting, and harvesting.
Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of State for Agriculture and Food Secuirity added that agricultural extension services in Nigeria have faced challenges like inconsistent policies, inadequate funding, and slow technology adoption, however the use of digital technology will mitigate these problems.
According to Dr. Ogunbiyi, “ despite past shortcomings, the use of digital technology, as outlined in the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) 2022-2027, presented a significant opportunity for improvement, noting that adequate funding and effective deployment of digital tools will ensure greater results.”
Dr. Deola Tayo Lordbanjou, Director of the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Service, stressed the importance of extension services in applying research findings to practical farming solutions. He explained that “the NEEP platform would be accessible in English, Pidgin, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo languages, so even farmers with limited formal education can benefit.”
Under the plan, farmers will be able to ask questions and receive real-time answers, “while agents will have a database of agricultural knowledge at their fingertips.”
With the introduction of the NEEP, Nigeria is making moves to ensure food stability in the country, a plan that is in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry says.
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