FG pushes demand-driven model for agric extension

The Federal Government is advocating for a transition from supply-driven to demand-driven agricultural extension services, emphasizing the need for verified information tailored to farmers' specific needs and market demands. At the Africa Agribusiness Extension Summit, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, highlighted the importance of understanding farmers and their markets in developing sustainable agricultural advisory infrastructure across Africa.

Abdullahi stressed the necessity of anchoring extension infrastructure on demand rather than supply, warning about the dangers of information overload and the creation of false agricultural data through artificial intelligence. He emphasized the importance of connecting farmers with verified extension agents to build trust and ensure the integrity of the system.

Abdullahi also stressed the critical role of market demand in developing effective extension services, using sesame seed, hibiscus, and fish farming as examples. Traceability was identified as another essential component for accessing agricultural markets. The minister noted that Nigeria's agricultural advisory infrastructure must consider the country's diverse agroecological zones, each requiring tailored information for farmers' success.

He also announced that the curriculum for diploma and Higher National Diploma agricultural programs has been revamped to emphasize practical training, now accounting for 70% of the course content. The summit, organized by Extension Africa, aimed to shift the focus from service delivery to infrastructure, with four key pillars: people, technology, data, and partnerships.