By Abbas Nazil
The European Union (EU) and the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, (UAES) Umuagwo have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the digitalization of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
This commitment was highlighted during a recent field mission in Owerri as part of the EU’s Digital Solutions (DIGISOL) project.
During the visit, Mr. Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation for the EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress.
He commended the university’s role in training farmers across Imo State and acknowledged the support of the state’s governor, Hope Uzodimma.
De Luca emphasized that the DIGISOL project is designed to transform lives through food security by equipping Nigerian farmers with digital tools essential for thriving in the face of climate change.
The Vice-Chancellor of UAES, Professor Christopher Eze, reiterated the institution’s dedication to environmental sustainability, climate action, and food security through technical education and human capital development.
He affirmed that the university is poised to sustain its partnership with the EU to drive innovations in agriculture.
Chris Addy-Nayo, the project’s Team Lead, disclosed that the initiative has already engaged 100 farmers in Imo, 200 in Kwara, and 300 in Ogun State.
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He outlined the project’s objectives, which include digital production, processing, and trade knowledge sharing.
According to him, the EU is fully committed to optimizing agricultural output through digitalized processes.
Professor Nelson Alino, Chairman of the Governing Council at UAES, expressed gratitude to the EU for its continuous support of the university’s agro-revolution initiatives through the DIGISOL project.
He also pledged the institution’s readiness for stronger collaboration to further improve agricultural practices for the benefit of Imo State residents.
The Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government in Imo State, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, reassured the EU of the state government’s determination to integrate agriculture with digitalization.
He noted that technology-driven agricultural solutions would enhance market access and create stronger connections between farmers and customers.
Adding to the impact of the project, Mrs. Ngozi Nwadike, National Coordinator of the Fexdora Cooperative Agro Development, highlighted the benefits farmers have gained from the initiative.
She stated that training from UAES and the DIGISOL project has enabled farmers to digitally monitor their farms against theft, market their products online, and apply organic methods to combat crop diseases like cassava mosaic.
With this strengthened partnership, the EU and UAES remain committed to empowering Nigerian farmers through digitalization, ensuring improved productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
