The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, CON, has launched the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP), a digital initiative to improve productivity and farmers’ livelihood as well as enhance agricultural extension service delivery
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the National Agricultural Extension Research Summit with the theme: 'Sustainable Agriculture Extension Service Delivery in Nigeria', the Minister stated that the platform would strengthen the linkage between research institutions and Nigerian farmers.
According to Abdullahi, the Platform would provide real-time access to vital agricultural information, offering an interactive and cost-effective alternative to traditional extension services while mitigating security risks faced by field agents. He further stated that the ministry had deployed technologies to improve labour productivity through the distribution of tractors for land preparation, planting, and harvesting.
In his welcome address, director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Service, Dr Deola Tayo Lordbanjou emphasised the critical role of agricultural extension services in translating research findings, innovative practices, and new technologies into practical solutions for farmers.
Lordbanjou explained that the NEEP platform would be accessible in English, pidgin ,Youraba, Hausa and Igbo languages, allowing even farmers with limited formal education to benefit. "Farmers will be able to ask questions and receive real time answers, while agents will have a database of agricultural knowledge at their fingertips," he added.
NEEP launched to extend agricultural service delivery to Nigerian farmers
Being accessible in a variety of languages, thus allowing even farmers with limited formal education to benefit. (Image source: FMAFS)
