FUTA Agricultural Experts Advocate Integration of Technology to Enhance Food Security
Agricultural experts gathered at the Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria (AESON) 29th Annual Conference held at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) from April 21st to 24th, 2024, to discuss ways to enhance food security in Nigeria.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Agricultural extension experts are calling for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies into agricultural practices to boost food security in Nigeria. This appeal was made during the Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria (AESON) 29th Annual Conference held at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) from April 21st to 24th, 2024.
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Themed "Leveraging the Dynamics of Agricultural Extension Policy for Sustainable Development," the conference focused on leveraging technology to improve agricultural production and address food security challenges. Professor Yusuf Idrisa, President of AESON, emphasized the importance of harnessing technology to enhance agricultural extension services and foster sustainable development.
Key discussions at the conference centered on tackling food availability and affordability issues in Nigeria. Participants emphasized the need for synergy between government initiatives and agricultural extension experts to achieve food security goals. They advocated for the reinvigoration of research-extension linkages and the deployment of e-Extension systems and AI for agricultural production.
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The conference also highlighted the importance of addressing climate change challenges in agriculture and promoting climate-smart practices among Nigerian farmers. Additionally, there were calls for partnerships between extension personnel and research institutes to drive innovation and increase agricultural yields.
In her address, Professor Adenike Oladiji, Vice Chancellor of FUTA, underscored the importance of supporting agricultural extension experts in bridging the gap between researchers and farmers. She emphasized the role of agricultural practices in boosting the economy and urged for increased investment in modern technology and productivity-enhancing measures.
Dr. Agatha Kolawale, Project Director at ACCLAWA, International Labor Organization, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the significance of sustainable agricultural development. She stressed the importance of equipping youths with the necessary skills and education to contribute effectively to agricultural innovation and development.
In a goodwill message, Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Hon. Olayato Aribo, reiterated the government's commitment to supporting agricultural activities through mobilization and subsidized inputs.
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The conference also saw the conferment of fellowship upon five distinguished members, recognizing their contributions to the field of agricultural extension.
In conclusion, the AESON conference served as a platform for experts to explore innovative strategies for enhancing agricultural extension services and driving sustainable development in Nigeria's agricultural sector.
