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Growing up in rural Nigeria, agriculture was the backbone of our communities. During my teenage years and early twenties, I lived in two villages where farming was the major occupation. The system in place among the young people was a remarkable example of mobilizing community power to farm at scale using crude tools, without the need to hire labor. Groups of about 10-20 young men, usually in the same age bracket, formed teams. These able-bodied men took turns working on each other’s farms, driven not by wages but by the promise of shared harvests and community spirit. When it was your turn, your responsibility was simply to provide enough food for everyone, which was not difficult as the food was locally sourced.
This communal farming system was something I eagerly looked forward to witnessing. The men would move excitedly in groups, working for about 45 minutes to 2 hours on each other’s farms. This collective effort powered the rural agricultural system and kept the cost of goods down, as farmers did not include labor costs in their pricing, only the cost of inputs like seeds and chemicals. During harvest, another system eliminated the need to hire laborers. Women, who were invited to help, were incentivized by taking a portion of the harvest home. For example, if they peeled three basins of cassava, the fourth one was theirs. This motivated them to work hard and quickly, as 25% of everything they harvested was theirs.
However, over the years, young people began to pursue education outside the community and moved to towns in search of better opportunities. They took up non-agricultural jobs and professions like driving, motorcycle taxi riding (Okada), and building, which seemed to offer quicker income than farming. Consequently, farming became unattractive to young people, and these communal farming systems virtually disappeared. Farming has now become more expensive for those who want to farm at scale, as they need to raise money to pay for labor, which is already scarce. The cost of food has begun to rise due to these and other complex factors.
Telling young people to return to the farm just like in the old days is impractical. Instead, we must think of ways to incentivize young people to drive the food system. What if we could leverage technology to modernize these types of communal food systems? I believe it is possible to replicate and modernize the communal farming system using digital technology and leveraging the mental strength of young people.
Imagine creating Agricultural Communal Zones in villages close to towns. These zones would serve as hubs where modern agricultural practices are integrated with traditional communal farming principles. Digital platforms can play a crucial role in coordination and management. Mobile applications can help organize the farming schedule, send reminders, track progress, and facilitate communication among group members. Additionally, social media platforms and online forums can create communities where members share tips, experiences, and organize work schedules.
Access to information is vital for the success of these communal zones. Mobile technology can provide real-time agricultural advice through agricultural extension services. Apps can offer valuable information on best practices, weather forecasts, pest control, and crop management. Furthermore, e-learning platforms can provide online courses and video tutorials on modern farming techniques, soil health management, and sustainable practices, ensuring that all members are well-informed and up-to-date.
In these modern communal zones, the focus shifts from physical to mental strength. Each member of the group is trained to possess modern agricultural skills, ranging from scientific skills to high-tech skills for precision farming and vertical farming technology. They would also learn storage and processing technology, food product development, food safety, marketing, sales, branding, and business management skills. This comprehensive training ensures that within this community of young people, every necessary expertise is available to plan, plant, harvest, process, market, and distribute food. For instance, having a data analyst in the group can help in making informed decisions based on data-driven insights, optimizing yields and reducing waste.
Mechanization and the sharing of tools can greatly enhance productivity in these communal zones. Equipment rental services can be facilitated through platforms where farmers can rent modern farming equipment and tools, such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems. Shared ownership models can also be explored, allowing groups to collectively own and maintain equipment. Additionally, apps can be used to organize group purchases of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, reducing costs through bulk buying.
Market access and sales can be improved by creating e-commerce platforms where farmers can sell their produce directly to consumers, restaurants, and retailers. This can help them achieve better prices by cutting out middlemen. Blockchain technology can be implemented to ensure transparency and traceability in the supply chain, increasing trust and potentially fetching higher prices for produce.
Financial services are crucial for supporting these communal farming systems. Mobile banking services can provide access to credit, savings, and insurance. Microfinance institutions can offer tailored financial products to support communal farming activities. Crowdfunding platforms can also be set up, allowing community farming groups to raise funds for specific projects or equipment.
Data collection and analysis can optimize farming practices within these zones. Farm management software can collect data on farm activities, yields, and input usage, helping in planning and optimizing farming practices. Remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be utilized to monitor crop health, soil conditions, and land use patterns, ensuring precise and efficient farming.
Sustainable practices can be integrated through precision agriculture technologies like GPS-guided tractors, automated planting systems, and sensors to optimize input use and increase efficiency. Renewable energy solutions, such as solar-powered irrigation systems, can be incorporated to reduce dependency on traditional power sources, promoting sustainability.
In addition to growing crops, these communal zones would include facilities and training for food processing and product development. Young people can learn how to transform raw agricultural products into value-added goods, such as turning cassava into flour or producing canned vegetables. Training in food safety standards ensures that these products meet market requirements and are safe for consumption.
Marketing and distribution are key components of this modern communal system. Digital platforms can facilitate direct sales to consumers through online marketplaces, reducing reliance on middlemen and increasing profit margins for farmers.
Branding and sales training can help young farmers create appealing brands and develop effective marketing strategies to reach wider audiences. Distribution networks can be organized through partnerships with logistics companies, ensuring that products reach markets efficiently and in good condition.
Social and community engagement can be enhanced by creating incentive programs through technology. Digital tokens or points systems can reward productivity and participation in communal farming activities, redeemable for farm supplies or services. Virtual training sessions and workshops can keep the community updated on the latest farming techniques and innovations, ensuring continuous learning and improvement.
By leveraging these technologies and shifting the focus from physical to mental strength, it is possible to replicate and modernize the communal farming system. This approach makes farming more efficient, productive, and attractive to the younger generation, ensuring the sustainability of agricultural practices and improving the overall economic well-being of rural communities.
Conclusion
Reviving the communal food system through technological advancements is not only feasible but necessary to sustain agricultural practices in rural Nigeria. This approach promises to attract and retain young people in agriculture, ensuring food security and economic growth. We invite government bodies, NGOs, and tech companies to support and invest in these initiatives, building a sustainable future for rural Nigeria, powered by community and technology.