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In line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed focus on bolstering food production through advanced agricultural practices, a collaborative effort spearheaded by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), in partnership with the University of Delaware, the International Institute of Agriculture (IITA) and the University of Ibadan, aims to enhance food security through irrigation farming in Nigeria.
The director-general of NASRDA, Dr. Halilu Shaba revealed this initiative at a two-day workshop in Abuja titled “Enhancing Food Security through Irrigation Farming in Nigeria: Understanding Patterns, Challenges, and Opportunities.”
Shaba emphasised Nigeria’s pivotal position, with its vast agricultural potential, to serve as a beacon of food sufficiency in Africa. Despite diligent government efforts, the nation faces challenges in achieving food self-sufficiency and promoting sustainable farming practices, exacerbated by tapping into less than 3 per cent of its irrigation potential. This shortfall leads to significant imports during dry seasons, straining the national budget and hindering agricultural progress.
Shaba highlighted the importance of irrigation farming, highlighting its role in providing sustenance for Nigeria’s growing population. He emphasised that successful agricultural nations are those adept at managing seasonal challenges and adopting mass production techniques.
He explained that NASRDA’s involvement in agriculture stems from the interaction of space technology with this critical sector. He urged participants to explore how space technologies can advance agricultural production in Nigeria and called for collaboration to ensure the success of the workshop.
The workshop’s objectives include identifying water sources for irrigation, discussing sustainable irrigation techniques, addressing challenges, and clarifying stakeholder roles. NASRDA’s director of strategic space application, Dr. Matthew Adepoju urged media experts to simplify technical jargon for farmers and assist in interpreting agricultural maps.
Dr. Kyle Davis from the University of Delaware highlighted the role of water in food systems and the need for comprehensive data infrastructure to support Nigeria’s agricultural stability. He emphasized the importance of open-source data and capacity building.
Prof. Akeem Oyerinde from the University of Abuja underscored irrigation farming as a new frontier in Nigeria’s agricultural development, enabling year-round cultivation and youth engagement. He emphasised Nigeria’s vast land resources and potential for agricultural revolution.
The collaborative efforts aim to harness Nigeria’s agricultural potential through innovative practices, with a focus on irrigation farming as a key driver of food security and economic development. With strategic partnerships and concerted efforts, Nigeria aims to transform its agricultural landscape and emerge as a global leader in food production.