Agric data key to achieving food security, say stakeholders

THE need to have accurate and reliable agricultural data has been stressed by experts in the sector.

The stakeholders, including a farmer, Mr Azeez Oluwole Saheed; Prof. Femi Ajayi and Dr Olubunmi Alawode have said agricultural data is key to achieving food security in Africa and Nigeria in particular.

Prof. Ajayi of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe, Osun State and Dr Alawode of the Agricultural Economics Department, University of Ibadan, Ibadan stated this in separate interviews in Ibadan.

Alawode said: “Basic inputoutput data as well as price and other data are indispensable to plan a farm well. It helps in planning of agricultural extension services, government budget policies and pricing policy.”

Prof. Ajayi also said: “The current price of staple foods is an indication that we are gradually heading for food problems.”

Founder of Farmkonnect Agribusiness Nigeria, Mr Azeez Saheed, stated this while speaking with journalists in Ibadan.

Azeez identified lack of agricultural data as a major bane of agriculture in Africa which poses serious challenge to food security on the continent.

To address some challenges and train farmers, Oluwole set up Agricultural Electronic Centre comprising Farmkonnect Agricultural Electronic Service Centre ( FAGEX) and Farmkonnect Institute for Data and Agribusiness Studies ( FIDAS).