By Abdullahi Lukman
To tackle food insecurity in Nigeria, the European Union (EU) is partnering with Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to launch a satellite-powered agriculture project aimed at improving food production and farming efficiency across the country.
Known as the Innovative Agriculture project—or Copernicus—the initiative is set to go live by January 2026.
It will use space-based data to help farmers understand soil conditions, determine crop suitability, and make informed decisions on planting timelines, ultimately increasing yields and strengthening food security.
EU’s Programme Manager for Agriculture in Nigeria and West Africa, Hugh Briggs, disclosed the plan in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He explained that the European Space Agency (ESA) will provide technical support, while NASRDA will handle local execution.
The project is designed to directly benefit smallholder farmers, who are often the most vulnerable to food supply shocks.
Using satellite imagery and digital tools, they will gain access to accurate, location-specific agricultural insights that reduce guesswork and waste.
As part of the strategy, seven ecological zones have been identified across Nigeria where demonstration farms will be set up with precision agriculture equipment.
These farms will not only serve as training grounds for farmers but also act as data collection points to inform national food policies.
The project also focuses on youth engagement. NASRDA will recruit and train young people in rural communities to use satellite technology for farm mapping, soil testing, and crop planning.
These trained individuals are to support wider adoption of digital agriculture in their communities.
A high-tech innovation hub is also to be established at NASRDA’s headquarters to serve as a national centre for agricultural training and research, ensuring continued access to digital farming tools and knowledge.
Briggs emphasized that the project is part of the EU’s broader commitment to using technology to address food insecurity in Africa.
“We’re helping farmers become more resilient by giving them the tools and data they need to feed their communities and reduce hunger,” he said.