Ogun State Government Advocates for Technology in Farming
The Ogun State Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ), is encouraging farmers to leverage information and communication technology tools to enhance the marketing of their agricultural products and increase economic returns.
During a two-day training session held in Abeokuta, the state capital, farmers were educated on the Agricultural Market Information System (AGIMS) by facilitators from partner organizations. This initiative aimed to empower participants from four local government clusters: Odogbolu, Ijebu East, Obafemi/Owode, and Yewa North.
The main goal of the training was to enhance the capabilities of smallholder and other farmers by providing them access to real-time market information, which is crucial for boosting agricultural productivity. Participants learned how to effectively gather, interpret, and utilize market data, including commodity prices, demand trends, weather forecasts, and supply chain updates.
At the event, Ms. Kehinde Jokotoye, National Program Coordinator, emphasized the critical role of training in the daily activities of farmers. She urged attendees to maximize this opportunity, highlighting the substantial resources being invested to enhance productivity and value in their agricultural undertakings.
National Rural Systems Expert Abel Ameh introduced AGIMS as a platform designed by SAPZ with support from IFAD, facilitating connections between smallholder farmers and larger markets. This platform enables farmers to list their products for immediate purchase by buyers across various locations, effectively mitigating post-harvest losses.
Ameh noted that the introduction of AGMIS addresses the longstanding issue of limited access to timely and accurate market data, which has frequently resulted in poor pricing and significant financial losses for farmers. He stated that this new platform aims to equip farmers with the insights needed to make informed decisions.
Co-facilitators Michael Oredola and Gbenga Agbeja from Dolarmicheck guided participants through hands-on sessions on navigating the platform, analyzing market trends, and establishing connections with potential buyers. They underscored the platform’s user-friendly nature and accessibility through mobile devices, making it ideal for farmers in remote regions.
One of the key focus areas of the training was transitioning farmers from subsistence practices to more market-oriented strategies, thereby enhancing their visibility and income potential. With AGMIS, farmers can identify high-demand crops, optimize planting schedules, and negotiate better prices for their harvests.
Participants expressed their gratitude to the government and IFAD for the initiative. Representatives Mr. Olufemi Oluwaseyi from Ijebu East and Mr. Timothy Aina from the Obafemi Owode Cluster noted that access to reliable market information empowers them against exploitation by intermediaries, significantly improving their bargaining position. They remarked that the training provided valuable insights for better planning and enhanced sales strategies.
Mrs. Damilola Akindele, Head of Knowledge Management and Communication, reaffirmed SAPZ’s dedication to ongoing capacity building and the incorporation of technology in agriculture. She stated that the AGMIS training is part of broader efforts aimed at modernizing agriculture, increasing value addition, and enhancing food security.
The SAPZ program, a federal initiative implemented alongside the African Development Bank (AfDB), IFAD, and state governments, seeks to transform rural economies by creating efficient agro-processing hubs, generating employment opportunities, fortifying food security, and reducing rural poverty. The integration of digital tools like AGMIS aligns with stakeholders’ optimism that the program will bolster farmers’ livelihoods and support sustainable agricultural growth, fostering community-wide knowledge sharing to ensure lasting impact across the agricultural value chain.
