- Innovation Alert: Decision Support Tool (DST) set to revolutionize farming practices.
- Nigeria’s Food Crisis: Population boom demands urgent action.
- Tech to the Rescue: DST provides real-time data on water quality, soil conditions, and crop health.
- Commercialization Strategy: Apodissi spearheads the rollout across Nigeria.
- Sustainable Future: Focus on eco-friendly practices and biofertilizer production.
Nigeria’s Food Security on the Line
Nigeria’s population is projected to skyrocket to 400 million by 2040. Experts are sounding the alarm: can the country produce enough food to feed its people? Dr. Oyebola Olusegun from the University of Ibadan warns that current systems simply won’t cut it. “We must address this now,” he urges, emphasizing the need to meet Sustainable Development Goals.
Enter PrAEctice: The Farming Game Changer
The PrAEctice project, backed by the European Union, is tackling these challenges head-on. This isn’t just another research project; it’s a practical solution aimed at boosting food production through sustainable practices. The project focuses in circular Agri-food technologies, cascade funding, co-creation activities, healthy food production, and biofertiliser production.
The Decision Support Tool (DST): Your Farm’s New Best Friend
So, what’s the secret weapon? It’s called the Decision Support Tool (DST). Think of it as a high-tech advisor for farmers, providing real-time data monitoring and analysis. Margherita Trestini, Managing Director of Apodissi, explains that the DST tracks critical parameters like water quality, soil conditions, and crop health.
How Does the DST Work?
The DST isn’t just a data collector; it’s a smart system. It uses AI to transform data from various sources into actionable insights. This mobile app gives farmers and advisors timely information to address specific concerns they face, which could be from pest control to over fertilizing. Imagine knowing exactly when and how to adjust your farming practices for optimal results!
Innovations in Action: Aquaponics and Waste Management
PrAEctice is also pioneering innovative techniques like low-energy pump aquaponics. This system cleverly uses wastewater from fish tanks to nourish plants. Solid waste is converted into fertilizer using a blue digester tank. Even more impressive is the zero-pump manual aquaponic iteration attached to sawdust-bag yam/tuber crop production unit, and liquid fish wastewater for uptake by crop farmers from the stagnant Renewal fish production – talk about efficiency!
From Lab to Land: Commercialization Strategy
The DST is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, with the goal of reaching TRL 8 by Q1 2026. Apodissi is collaborating with Maribor University and other technical partners to commercialize the DST in Nigeria. They plan to leverage digital innovation hubs like DigiPlus Alliance, WiderNetFarms, and F-TAIP, as well as cooperatives and chambers of commerce.
Government Support and the Road Ahead
The Nigerian government is on board too! Omolara Abimbola Oguntuyi, representing the Minister of Agriculture, emphasized that these projects align with the Ministry’s priorities, especially in promoting sustainable practices among women. With combined efforts, the future of farming in Nigeria looks brighter than ever.