By Emeka Oluka
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has been selected to participate in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Smart Agro-Innovation Hub Project. The announcement was made by Dr. William Tsuma, Chief Innovation Officer and Head of the UNDP Lagos Office, during a reception for the UNDP team at the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, on October 3, 2024.
Dr. Tsuma highlighted the significance of agriculture as a cornerstone for development, emphasising that the transformation of the agricultural sector was essential to the prosperity of the African continent. He pointed out that modern agriculture, particularly precision farming, was now driven by technologists, not just traditional farmers, and the shift has inspired the creation of the Smart Agro-Innovation Hub. “The younger generation is no longer interested in conventional farming practices,” Dr Tsuma explained, “and that’s why precision agriculture, powered by technology, is the future.”
Explaining why FUNAAB was chosen, Dr. Tsuma noted that the UNDP recognised the University’s size, capacity, and extensive engagements, receiving recommendations from the Ogun State Government as well. He further revealed that the initiative was being implemented across 14 African countries, with 10 Nigerian universities selected from various geopolitical zones.
During the meeting, Prof. Adebayo briefed the UNDP team on FUNAAB’s history, its expansive landmass, academic programmes, and community engagement efforts. He commended the UNDP project, saying that it would greatly benefit the students, particularly in the area of precision agriculture.
The UNDP team, along with FUNAAB’s representatives, also met with students participating in the Farm Practical Year (FPY) Programme to discuss how to inspire the younger generation to see agriculture as a profitable and technologically advanced field. The conversation centred on the future of agriculture in the technological age and how to build a network of problem-solving, tech-savvy young farmers.
To kick-start the project, the UNDP requested accessible venues for the establishment of the Smart Agro-Innovation Hub. Potential locations within FUNAAB, such as the Information and Communication Technology Resource Centre (ICTREC), Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), and the FUNAAB Zoo Park, were evaluated for suitability.
Other members of the UNDP team included Linda Pepple, Financial Management Lead, and Aisha Usman, Community Manager. The FUNAAB delegation comprised Prof. Sammy Sam-Wobo, Director of FUNAAB Zoo Park; Prof. Jacob Olaoye, Director of the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC); Prof. Emily Ayo-John, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS); Dr. Shakirat Ibrahim, Ag. Director of COBFAS; and Prof. Olusegun Folorunso, Head of the Department of Software Engineering and Information Systems. Mrs. Olatundun Adekunte, representing the Ogun State Bureau of Technology, was also present.
With the collaboration, FUNAAB has joined other leading universities in Africa in promoting innovative agricultural practices, that aligned with its research focus on agricultural development and sustainability.
