FUNAAB: AGriDI Workshop Paves Way for Digital Innovation in West African Agriculture

The Accelerating Inclusive Green Growth through Agri-based Digital Innovation in West Africa (AGriDI) project marked a pivotal milestone with its Close-out and Dissemination Workshop, held from August 27 to 29, 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Dakar.

Organized by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in collaboration with the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), the three-day event gathered over 50 key stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, development partners, industry leaders, and grantees, to reflect on the project's transformative impact.

Launched five years ago, AGriDI has been instrumental in driving digital solutions for sustainable agriculture across West Africa. The workshop spotlighted the 13 grantee projects funded under the initiative, which focused on co-developing innovative tools, enhancing market linkages for farmers, and influencing policies to promote digital agriculture. Participants celebrated gains in digital literacy among smallholder farmers, increased productivity, and expanded opportunities for women and youth in the sector, underscoring the project's role in fostering inclusive green growth.

Key sessions featured a keynote address on advancing agri-digital innovations in Senegal, a high-level panel discussion involving representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), and prominent universities. Grantees shared practical experiences through pitches on value chains like maize, rice, tomato, and onion, while deliberations delved into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) digital agriculture policies. The forum also produced actionable recommendations to maintain momentum, scale innovations, and bolster regional ecosystems for agricultural advancement.

A standout contribution came from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), represented by Prof. Olusegun Folorunso, Director of Academic Information Systems and Principal Investigator for the SmartSoil Project. Titled “Digital Soil Mapping for Optimal Agricultural Yield and Sustainable Soil Biodiversity Management in Southwest Nigeria Using Artificial Intelligence,” the project developed GeaGrow, a user-friendly app for soil nutrient analysis and fertilizer optimization. Now available on the Google Play Store and fully validated, GeaGrow is poised for nationwide rollout in Nigeria and broader adoption across West Africa, promising to empower farmers with data-driven decisions for better yields and environmental sustainability.

As the workshop concluded, attendees unanimously agreed that AGriDI has established a robust framework for technology-led agricultural reform in the region. With potential to enhance food security, generate employment, and promote eco-friendly practices, the project's legacy positions West Africa at the forefront of inclusive digital agriculture, inspiring continued collaboration for a greener future.