Stakeholders at the Second International Conference of the College of Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology and Extension (CAERSE) of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), have advocated greater adoption of smart agricultural technologies, responsible artificial intelligence (AI) and stronger research partnerships to boost food security and sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.
The two-day conference, held at the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), Umudike recently, was themed “Smart Agricultural Production, Green Growth and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.” It brought together academics, researchers, policymakers, extension experts and industry stakeholders to examine innovative solutions to Nigeria’s food security challenges.
Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Nneoma Elechi Obasi, described the theme as timely, stressing that smart agriculture driven by innovation and digital technologies remains critical to increasing food production while preserving the environment. She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing research, teaching and extension through strategic partnerships and capacity building.
Delivering the keynote address virtually, Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), Prof. Nicholas Ozor, described AI as a transformative tool capable of improving crop production, livestock management, weather forecasting and market intelligence. He, however, urged Africa to develop ethical, homegrown AI solutions, warning that poor infrastructure, weak internet connectivity, inadequate data and low digital literacy continue to hinder AI adoption in Nigeria.
Presenting the lead paper, former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Prof. Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba, called for practical and inclusive smart agriculture innovations that directly address farmers’ needs. He identified insecurity, poor infrastructure, weak extension services and inconsistent policies as major obstacles to agricultural development, noting that AI and climate-smart agriculture are receiving increasing research attention.
Also speaking, Director of Extension Services at the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Dr. Benjamen Chukwuemeka Okoye, urged researchers to collaborate more closely with farmers, extension workers, government and the private sector to ensure innovations are practical, affordable and impactful, especially for smallholder farmers and women.
A member of the Governing Council of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Dr. David O. Nwachukwu, emphasised that responsible deployment of AI and digital technologies can significantly improve productivity and food security. He called for stronger policies, improved infrastructure, capacity building and collaboration among researchers, government, industry and farmers to drive innovation.
Earlier, the Dean of CAERSE, Prof. Nnanna M. Agwu, described the conference as timely, citing climate change, rapid population growth and food insecurity as major challenges confronting Nigeria. He noted that projections indicate 36.2 million Nigerians could face acute food insecurity in 2026, while food demand is expected to rise by over 50 per cent by 2050. He urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and promote smart agriculture as a pathway to sustainable food production and environmental conservation.
The conference featured technical sessions coordinated by the Deputy Dean of CAERSE, Dr. Blessing Ada Ahamefule, focusing on smart agriculture, AI, climate resilience and sustainable development. Participants unanimously called for sustained investment in science, technology and innovation to strengthen food security and drive green growth in Nigeria.
