By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga
In a concerted effort to empower farmers and cooperative societies against the adverse effects of climate change, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has joined forces with the European Union (EU), the University of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences (UAES) Umuagwo, and Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, to launch a transformative Digital Farming Initiative.
The initiative kicked off with a Two-Day Certificate Training Programme held at the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE) Lecture Hall. The programme aimed to educate farmers and cooperative societies on utilising digital tools for sustainable agricultural practices to navigate the challenges posed by climate change.
Speaking at the event, tagged “DIGISOL PROJECT,” the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, underscored the urgent need to address climate change impacts, emphasising the importance of leveraging digital solutions for sustainable agriculture.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, the Vice-Chancellor commended the organisers for their foresight, attributing the University’s recognition as Africa’s best University of Agriculture to such impactful initiatives. He urged participants to make the most of the training by engaging with the experts and networking effectively.
Earlier in his Opening Address, the DIGISOL Team Lead at FUNAAB, Prof. Adewale Dipeolu, highlighted the heightened vulnerability of rural farmers to climate change. He stressed the critical need for digital solutions to enhance farming practices and provide alternative livelihoods, mitigating the financial challenges faced by farmers due to climate disruptions.
Prof. Dipeolu, a former Dean of the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD) pointed out key areas for farmers’ focus beyond climate-smart agricultural practices, including digital financial solutions, improved market access, and the formation of cooperative societies. He described the collaboration as a milestone towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria, aimed at equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills to adapt and innovate in response to changing climate conditions.
He further encouraged participants to take advantage of the training to exchange ideas and explore innovative strategies that could revolutionise agriculture, paving the way for a sustainable future.
Prof. Chinasaoku Onyemauwa, the Coordinator from UAES and Alhaji Tajudeen Ajala, the Team Lead from Al-Hikmah jointly adopted a participatory approach to ensure maximum benefit. They urged the participants to actively share insights and strategies to help transform the farming landscape and secure a resilient agricultural sector for future generations. The partnerships, therefore, represent a significant step towards building a sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural ecosystem in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the DIGISOL Team has expressed their profound gratitude to the European Union for their sponsorship and unwavering commitment to supporting local farmers in building resilience against climate change.
