Three young Agricultural Technology innovators in Nigeria were each awarded $40,000 in grants through the AYuTe Africa Challenge. This programme encourages the use of Technology to enhance farming techniques and food production in the country. During the grand finale of the 2024 AYuTe Africa Challenge Nigeria in Abuja on June 27, 2024, Dr. Lekan Tobe, the Country Director of Heifer International, shared this information with the audience. Tobe emphasized the importance of using technology to bring about change in Nigeria’s Agriculture industry, stating that the initiative would inspire innovators to do so.
Harnessing the power of young people and technological advancements has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural industry, leading to improved food security, increased job opportunities for youths, and enhanced economic growth. This technology plays a crucial role in bridging the gap in crop yields, establishing Eco-friendly supply networks, minimizing losses after harvesting, and enhancing the effectiveness of fertilizer, water, and soil utilization. It also aids in enhancing the organization of small-scale farmers and empowering them to effectively participate in market activities, he mentioned.
Heifer Int’l gives out $1.5M yearly to top Agri-tech innovators in Africa.
He believes the competition is a platform for recognizing and assisting talented young innovators in Agri-tech, to help them gain exposure, thrive, and ultimately benefit small-scale farmers with improved productivity. He mentioned that Heifer International gives out 1.5 million dollars every year to top Agri-tech innovators in Africa through a competitive program held at a regional level. Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Abuja, Prof. Akeem Oyerinde, highlighted the importance of young people using technology to revolutionize the agricultural sector in the nation.
It is essential that they restore agriculture to its rightful place. All individuals have the opportunity to leverage different technologies in order to participate in the agricultural industry and start their own businesses. He expressed the idea that mobile phones have the potential to enhance Productivity and tackle obstacles faced by small-scale farmers in Nigeria. Daniel Bature, the Director of Technical Services at the Nasarawa State Agricultural Development, emphasized the importance of young people harnessing technology to bring forth new ideas and advancements that can propel the growth of Nigeria’s agriculture industry.
The ministry is placing a strong emphasis on the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Femi Oluwagbemi, the Minister of Labour and Employment’s Special Adviser, emphasized the potential for youth to engage in job creation and self-employment through agriculture, as well as the opportunity to form cooperative groups. He mentioned that by taking that action, they would increase their opportunities to receive financial support from programs like this. Manir Umar emphasized the importance of working together with partners to effectively carry out agricultural policies in Nigeria, as stated by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security on Youth and Agribusiness.
Collaboration with stakeholders is essential as the government cannot directly implement policies. It is through working together that they can ensure the effectiveness and impact of initiatives like this are enhanced. The ministry is placing a strong emphasis on the Renewed Hope Agenda, recognizing the pivotal role that young people play in driving the agricultural revolution, he explained. According to report, Ruth Ede from Scratop Nigeria Ltd. received a grant of $20,000 for her groundbreaking work in turning bio waste into valuable bio fertilisers, making her one of the beneficiaries of the grant.
Related Article: The Future of Agriculture in Nigeria
Akpem Shadrach, the founder of Vet Konect, a technology-based company focused on animal health, received a grant worth $12,000 for his groundbreaking work in delivering holistic support to farmers in Africa through mobile applications that leverage artificial intelligence to enhance agricultural output. Chinasu Stephanie-Meltus from Scarecrow Green Eden received a grant of $8,000 as recognition for her innovative use of technology to address the impacts of Climate Change and improve Agricultural Productivity for small-scale farmers during the 4th industrial revolution. In an interview, Ede, the primary recipient, expressed her intention to utilize the $20,000 grant to enhance farmers’ access to nutrient-rich biofertilizers with the aim of increasing their crop yields.