By George George Idowu
In recent years, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and agriculture has become a hot topic globally, promising revolutionary changes in farming. For Nigerian women in agriculture, AI presents a unique opportunity to not only overcome traditional barriers but also to empower them, enhancing their farming practices’ productivity, sustainability, and profitability.
Clearly, women play a crucial role in Nigerian agriculture, constituting about 60-79% of the agricultural labour force. They are involved in various activities, from planting to harvesting and post-harvest processing.
Despite their significant contributions, Nigerian women face numerous challenges, including limited access to land, credit, education, and technology. These barriers often result in lower productivity and income levels than their male counterparts.
However, the advent of AI technologies offers a glimmer of hope. These innovations have the potential to revolutionise agricultural practices by providing data-driven insights and automation solutions, thereby overcoming some of the barriers faced by Nigerian women in agriculture.
Here are some of the significant benefits that Nigerian women in agriculture can reap from the use of AI. These include optimized use of inputs, early detection of pest infestations, and analysis of market trends to predict price fluctuations.
Artificial intelligence can help farmers optimise their use of inputs like seeds, water, and fertilisers. By analysing data from soil sensors, weather forecasts, and satellite imagery, AI systems can recommend the best times to plant, irrigate, and harvest crops. This precision can lead to higher yields and lower costs.
AI-powered tools can detect early signs of pest infestations or crop diseases through image recognition and predictive analytics. This early detection allows farmers to take timely action, reducing crop losses and the need for harmful pesticides.
AI can also analyse market trends and predict price fluctuations, helping farmers decide the best time to sell their produce. Additionally, AI-powered digital platforms can connect women farmers directly with buyers, bypassing intermediaries and ensuring fairer prices.
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AI-driven fintech solutions can provide women farmers with tailored financial products such as microloans and insurance. By assessing creditworthiness using non-traditional data sources (e.g., mobile phone usage and social media activity), these solutions can offer financial services to those previously excluded from the formal banking system.
While the potential benefits of AI are enormous, several challenges need to be addressed to enable Nigerian women to harness these technologies fully
Many women farmers in Nigeria have limited exposure to digital technologies. Hence, training programs are essential to build their skills in using AI tools effectively.
Reliable internet connectivity and access to smartphones or other digital devices are prerequisites for using AI solutions. Thus, this is one big challenge that Nigerian women farmers face. Most of them do not have access to smartphones or internet connectivity.
The initial cost of AI technologies can be prohibitive for smallholder farmers. Government subsidies, grants, and partnerships with tech companies can help make these tools more affordable.
Societal norms and gender roles can restrict women’s participation in technology-driven initiatives. This problem is very common in Nigeria, especially in some parts of the country. Efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity in agriculture are crucial.
Despite these challenges, there are promising examples of AI making a difference in Nigerian agriculture. Initiatives like the 2Scale project, which partners with local agribusinesses to introduce digital tools, and startups like Zenvus, which offers AI-driven soil sensors, are paving the way for broader AI adoption.
Furthermore, the Nigerian government and international organisations increasingly recognise the importance of supporting women in agriculture. Programs aimed at improving digital literacy, providing financial support, and enhancing infrastructure are essential steps in this direction.
AI holds great promise for Nigerian women in agriculture, offering solutions to many of their challenges. By improving productivity, market access, and financial inclusion, AI can empower women farmers, enhancing their livelihoods and contributing to Nigeria’s broader goal of sustainable agricultural development.
To realise this potential, concerted government, private sector, and civil society efforts are needed to address the barriers to AI adoption and ensure that women farmers can fully benefit from these advanced technologies.
