Rural Farmers tasked on digital farming to combat Climate Change

By: Janet Oye – Asiyan

The Need to equip rural farmers with practical skills and digital knowledge to confront the growing impacts of climate change has been re-emphasized.

The Vice-Chancellor, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Professor Lateef Oladimeji, and the his Counterpart at the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Imo State, Professor Christopher Eze, made the call at the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop on the use of digital tools for agricultural extension agents under the Digisol Project held at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.

Prof Oladimeji encouraged farmers to adopt, adapt and integrate digital methods of farming to maximize profits.

Speaking at the event, the Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Abdulafeez Abolore, described agricultural extension services as the backbone of farmer education and capacity development .

He said digital innovation is key to empowering smallholder farmers, women led agribusiness and youth driven agrictech innovations

Dr Abolore added that Kwara State remains committed to European Union-funded initiatives like the Digisol Project to promote climate-smart agriculture, inclusive farming, and sustainable rural livelihoods.

Earlier, the Digisol Project Coordinator at Al-Hikmah University, Dr. Ajala Tajudeen, said the project aims to strengthen the capacity of extension officers to deliver timely and relevant information to rural farmers using digital platforms.

Government officials, project partners, and representatives of the Kwara State Agricultural Development Project were among participants at the workshop.

The workshop, organised under the European Union-funded Digisol Project, focuses on training agricultural officers and local authorities on the use of digital tools for enhanced service delivery to farmers.