Dear Nigerian Farmers, Portal Open for Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology (FMAFS and NITDA)

Background

The Nigerian agricultural sector significantly contributes to the country's economy, employing over 35% of the workforce1 and accounting for over 20% of Nigeria’s GDP2. However, the sector faces some challenges, such as low productivity, limited adoption of technology and climate change. The use of Four Industrial Relation (4IR) technologies, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain, has the potential to revolutionise the Nigerian agricultural sector3. These technologies, amongst others, can be used to improve crop yields, monitor soil health, detect pests and diseases, and manage logistics4.

Objective

Identify, demonstrate and mainstream applicable market-ready innovation that leverages 4IR technologies (UAVs, IoT, AI and Blockchain) to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the Nigerian agricultural sector

Here below are examples of applications of 4IR technologies in Agriculture

• Crop Production
• Fishery
• Forestry
• Livestock

Beneficiaries and Funding

The project will provide funding of N10,000,000 to each of the 10 beneficiaries. Beneficiaries will be selected based on their proposals for using UAV, IoT and/or AI to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability in Nigeria. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture will support in identifying pilot farms and paths to scale and sustainability.

Application Process

Applications for the project are now open (27th November). Applications must be submitted online https://4irta.nitda.gov.ng by the closing date of two weeks (11th December)

Download Flier of the program: https://4irta.nitda.gov.ng/core/uploads/2023/11/Application-of-UAV-IoT-and-AI-to-Agriculture-in-Nigeria-1.pdf

All the best