FUNAAB Explores Robotic Ranching to Transform Cattle Production in Nigeria

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has convened a workshop on robotic ranching systems and intelligent feeding technologies as part of efforts to modernise cattle production and address longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s livestock sector.

The workshop, held on April 15, 2026, at the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), was sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) under the National Research Fund and drew participation from researchers and key stakeholders within the university.

Welcoming participants, the Principal Investigator, Prof. Olufunke Vincent, said the engagement was designed to tackle pressing issues affecting livestock production, including inefficient feeding systems, poor animal monitoring, labour shortages, climate variability, and rising operational costs. She also pointed to recurring conflicts linked to open grazing practices as a major concern requiring innovative solutions.

Prof. Vincent highlighted the growing role of emerging technologies such as robotics, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and data analytics in driving smart agriculture, noting that these tools offer scalable and sustainable approaches to livestock management.

In a presentation titled “Robotic Ranching System: An Intelligent Feeding Mechanism for Enhanced Cattle Production in Nigeria,” Prof. Bamidele Oluwatosin described the initiative as transformative, aligning with the global shift towards modern livestock systems such as ranching, feedlot operations, and zero-grazing models. She commended FUNAAB’s investment in research and innovation while drawing attention to infrastructural gaps that could limit broader adoption in some institutions.

Also speaking, the Director of the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, Prof. Kazeem Bello, stressed the need to integrate advanced technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification systems to improve livestock tracking, optimise farm management, and reduce conflicts between farmers and herders.

Participants at the workshop commended the initiative and called for stronger interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate innovation and ensure the sustainable development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.