Oyo State, Nigeria — In a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Foundation has launched a targeted training programme to equip smallholder farmers with practical knowledge on using drone technology in farming. The flagship training session was held on 12 April 2025 at the Agricwas Farm Hub in Lagelu Local Government Area, Oyo State, with 75 participants (60 men and 15 women) in attendance.
This initiative comes at a time when Nigeria’s agricultural sector, despite contributing over 20% to the nation’s GDP and engaging more than 36% of the workforce, faces significant productivity challenges due to low mechanisation, limited access to modern farming tools, and underdeveloped infrastructure.
In the face of these constraints, technological advancement offers a compelling solution. Studies suggest that digitising smallholder farming could add as much as $67 billion to Nigeria’s annual GDP. Yet, adoption of such innovations remains sluggish: only 1% of farming households own tractors, and more than 70% still rely on traditional implements.
The training covered key drone applications in agriculture, including:
- Crop Protection Product Usage: Ensuring safe, efficient, and targeted application of pesticides.
- Soil Mapping: Using drone technology to analyse soil health and optimise fertiliser use.
- Integrated Pest Management: Early detection and precise intervention for pest control, reducing chemical use and environmental harm.
Speaking at the event, the Business Support Service Provider Officer for Oyo State, Juwon Olusunle, underscored the Foundation’s commitment to empowering smallholder farmers:
“This event reflects our vision of a Nigeria where smallholder farming can lead to prosperity,” said Juwon.
“With technology like we’ve seen today, the path to that prosperity becomes clearer and more accessible. As a Foundation, we are committed to helping more farmers discover and utilise these technologies.”
Indeed, research shows that drone technology adoption can increase crop monitoring efficiency and management by up to 25%, offering a significant boost to yields and profitability.
Participants of the training expressed enthusiasm and gratitude, with farmer Samuel Ajayi from Lagelu commenting: “I have learned a lot today, and I want to thank the Foundation for this opportunity.”
Though the promise of digital agriculture abounds, challenges remain. High equipment costs, poor rural infrastructure, and low digital literacy among farmers continue to hinder widespread adoption. The Foundation is calling for greater collaboration between public and private stakeholders to provide subsidies, expand training, and improve connectivity in farming communities.
The Foundation’s training programme marks a significant milestone in supporting smallholder farmers and reinforcing the role of technology in ensuring food security and rural development in Nigeria.