FUNAAB VC seeks rural farmers’ inclusion in digital agric drive
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof Babatunde Kehinde, has described digital agriculture as the future, advocating that farmers in remote areas should not be left behind in this crucial shift from analogue to digital systems.
Prof Kehinde made the call at a one-day policy validation workshop for communication and digital services for rural farming communities.
The workshop, according to a statement on Sunday by the Head of the Public Relations of the university, Olasunkanmi Olajide, brought together stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain to discuss inclusive digital innovations that could empower smallholder farmers.
Represented by the Head of the Department of Animal Production and Health, Prof Lawrence Egbeyale, the vice-chancellor commended the European Union for supporting global digital solutions, particularly in agriculture.
Prof Kehinde said, “With the aid of appropriate communication tools and devices, rural farmers can enjoy the benefits of precision farming, real-time market access, digital financial services, and climate-smart advisory.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Zonal Coordinator of the DIGISOL Project, Prof Adewale Dipeolu of FUNAAB, described the workshop as a landmark event aimed at validating existing policies and developing a practical and sustainable roadmap to enhance digital access for farmers.
“We must, therefore, ensure that no farmer is excluded from the digital revolution transforming agriculture because this is one paradigm shift we must embrace in our drive to achieve food production,” he said.
In his opening remarks, the Project Team Lead, Mr Addy Nayo, highlighted the central role of telecom providers and regulatory bodies in expanding access to underserved communities.
Nayo pointed out that limited infrastructure and weak policy implementation remained bottlenecks to widespread digital inclusion.
He, therefore, called on telecommunications regulatory agencies to support initiatives that improved connectivity in rural areas.
Presenting virtually, the Lead Discussant and immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), FUNAAB, Prof Kola Adebayo, stressed the need for continuous validation, quality assurance, and strengthened agricultural extension services to improve farmers’ access to and understanding of digital tools.
Other notable presentations were delivered by key stakeholders such as Mrs Olatundun Adekunte, representing the Special Adviser on Information and Communication Technology, Ogun State.
Mrs Adekunte emphasised inclusive and sustainable strategies to improve livelihoods and achieve food security.
Other speakers at the training included Telecom Expert and DIGISOL Policy Consultant from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Emmanuel Amadi, and Mr Suraj Fashola from the state government, among others.
