By Yemi Olakitan
Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has revealed that insufficient technology integration in Africa’s agriculture sector has led to low yields and elevated post-harvest losses.
Jonathan made this statement recently, in Abuja, Nigeria, during a ceremony marking his official installation as African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) Goodwill Ambassador.
In many nations around the world, the employment of modern technology has enhanced production.
With technology, smallholder farmers can expect higher yields and higher-quality harvests. For instance, technologies that shield the crop from insect damage can enhance yields, enabling the plant’s full yield potential to be exploited, according to Jonathan.
“As the AATF’s Goodwill Ambassador for Agriculture Technologies in Africa, I’m happy to be here with you today. I firmly believe in sustainable development and the use of technologies to increase the prosperity of African farmers,” he said.
The former president claimed that he decided to accept the position of AATF Goodwill Ambassador for Agricultural Technology in Africa because he firmly believes that agriculture is the foundation of the continent’s economy and that technology can significantly advance the continent’s agriculture.
He added that because Africa has the largest proportion of arable land in the world, agriculture gives Africa the ability to play a significant part in feeding the world’s expanding population. “Agriculture lies at the heart of our economies, our cultures, and our livelihoods,” he said.
He contends that agricultural development is the key to reducing poverty, ensuring food security, and improving nutrition in Africa.
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He pointed out that the promise of agriculture to improve people’s lives and the smallholder farmers who provide food for everyone are at the heart of this attempt.
He argued that smallholder farmers must reap the rewards of their toil and investment in agriculture in order to lead happy and healthy lives.
The AATF Ambassador stated that new opportunities are provided by technology. For instance, precision agriculture aids in the management of diseases and pests by employing drones and satellite imagery.
Farmers can overcome such difficulties thanks to prompt action and early notice. When technologies are used to agriculture, they have an impact on people, communities, and economies on all levels of society.
Dr. Canisius Kanangire, the AATF’s executive director, previously stated that the appointment of Jonathan as the organization’s goodwill ambassador marks a crucial turning point on the path to a more promising future for African agriculture.
“For a very long time, AATF has been at the forefront of promoting improvement in Africa’s agricultural industry. The foundation has shown its dedication to boosting food security, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agricultural practises through its creative approach to bridging the gap between research, technology, and farmers.
“Today, we have the honour of formally introducing an excellent leader to the AATF family. During his time as president of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan demonstrated his unshakable commitment to promoting socioeconomic development. This appointment strengthens our conviction that, by working together, we can use science and technology to spur growth and prosperity across our continent,” he noted.
High ranking government officials, diplomats, representatives of Nigeria’s agricultural research establishment, and farmers all attended the occasion.
An international non-profit organisation called the AATF is providing smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa with access to a variety of agricultural technologies that improve the security of their food supply and nutritional status, thereby promoting health and prosperity for their families and communities.
