Nigeria is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential solution to its worsening food security crisis, as experts warn that traditional farming interventions may no longer be enough.

With a population of more than 220 million people and rising faster than agricultural output, the country is under pressure to increase food production while reducing losses and costs.

Food inflation has already pushed basic staples beyond the reach of many households, while heavy reliance on imports continues to strain foreign exchange reserves.

Despite vast arable land, Nigeria’s agricultural productivity remains relatively low.

Why it matters

Agriculture is a major employer in Nigeria, yet inefficiencies across the value chain, from planting decisions to market access continue to limit output.

Experts say up to 40% of food produced in Nigeria is lost between harvest and market due to poor storage, logistics, and distribution systems.

Farmers also struggle with limited access to reliable data, often relying on traditional knowledge instead of real-time insights.

The inefficiencies holding farmers back

Analysts point to several structural challenges affecting Nigerian agriculture:

Poor decision-making due to lack of data on soil, weather, and crop suitability

Significant post-harvest losses caused by weak infrastructure

Limited access to markets, leading to oversupply in some areas and shortages in others

Inefficient use of resources such as water, fertiliser, and labour

These issues, experts say, combine to reduce yields and increase food prices nationwide.

How AI could change the equation

Artificial intelligence systems are increasingly being explored as a way to tackle these long-standing problems.

AI tools can analyse soil conditions, weather patterns, and historical yield data to provide farmers with precise recommendations on when to plant, what to grow, and how to optimise output.

They can also improve supply chains by predicting demand, coordinating logistics, and reducing spoilage.

In addition, AI-powered platforms can connect farmers directly to buyers, helping them access new markets and better prices.

Industry perspective

Grace AI Lab, one of the companies working in this space, says it is developing autonomous AI systems to support agricultural productivity.

Divine Matthew, Founder of Grace AI Lab, said:

“Nigeria needs more food. Maximising agricultural output through intelligent systems is both a business opportunity and a national priority.”

The company says its AI systems are designed not just to provide advice, but to actively coordinate farming operations towards specific productivity goals.

Expert and public outlook

Agriculture analysts caution that while AI offers promise, it is not a standalone solution.

They stress that infrastructure development, policy reforms, and farmer education remain critical to improving food systems.

However, AI could act as a “force multiplier” helping farmers make better decisions and ensuring that investments in agriculture deliver greater returns.

What’s next

As Nigerian tech firms expand into agritech, the key question remains whether adoption can happen quickly enough to match the country’s growing food demand.

Stakeholders say collaboration between government, private sector players, and farmers will be essential to scale these innovations.

For many, the future of farming in Nigeria may depend not just on more equipment but on smarter systems powered by data.

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Ondo State has declassified 15 hectares of land for large-scale cultivation of oil palm, cashew and cocoa, as Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa launched the Noreta Farms plantation at Owena-Idanre, along the Akure–Ondo Road.

The project, described as a technology-driven, closed-environment farming initiative, is expected to boost agricultural investment and create jobs across the state.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the decision to release the land was part of a deliberate strategy to modernise agriculture and attract private capital.

“This initiative is designed to transform agriculture from a subsistence activity into a viable, export-oriented, wealth-creating sector,” he said.

“It will create jobs, empower youths, and strengthen Ondo State’s economy.”

The governor described the ceremony as more than a symbolic event, saying it represented “planting trust, sowing innovation and laying the foundation for the prosperity of Ondo State’s people”.

A push for private investment

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the declassification of farmland aligns with his administration’s OUR EASE policy, which focuses on easing business operations, improving infrastructure and guaranteeing security.

“Projects like Noreta Farms demonstrate how technology-driven agriculture can generate employment, develop skills, and deliver sustainable economic value for our people,” he said.

He added that the state had strengthened its security architecture through intelligence-led operations and cooperation with local communities.

“These efforts are deliberate, sustained, and yielding results, because investment flows where safety is assured and confidence is guaranteed,” he said.

Climate-smart farming and value addition

The governor said Ondo State’s agricultural strategy prioritises value addition, innovation and climate-smart practices.

“We are promoting agriculture as innovation, enterprise, and industry. When policy, technology, and private capital converge, development becomes inevitable,” he said.

He noted that under the state’s Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) programme, Ondo has become a major supplier of tomatoes to Lagos State.

According to him, investors including JB, Saudit Farms, Tropic, SAO Farms, Bambi Palms, ACME Farms and Bola Oil are already engaged in oil palm production on declassified lands, contributing to job creation and reduced unemployment.

Inside the Noreta Farms project

The Noreta Farms plantation is expected to operate as a commercial-scale precision greenhouse farm, offering employment, skills transfer and access to new markets for young people.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the project aligns with his administration’s goals of economic diversification, food security and export-oriented agriculture.

He urged more investors to take advantage of the opportunities created by the state government.

Industry reaction

A member of Noreta Farms’ Board of Directors, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said the company chose Ondo State after assessing government support, security and the business climate across the south-west.

“Noreta Farms is leading innovation in farming today in Nigeria and it is our desire to see that this company contributes towards food security and development in the country,” he said.

He described the state government’s support as critical to the project’s success.

“This project will bring development for our people. It will create employment opportunities and stimulate growth in the state,” he said.

Olajengbesi added that the first phase of the project would cover 15,000 hectares under Precision Green Farming, also known as closed-environment farming in the United Kingdom.

He said Noreta Farms ultimately aims to become the largest market farm in West Africa, with backing from the Ondo State government.

Expert perspective

A consultant on the project, Samuel Bagnor, thanked the governor for trusting the company and appointing it as the technological partner.

He said the project reflects growing confidence in technology-driven agriculture as a solution to Nigeria’s food security challenges.

What’s next

State officials say more agribusiness projects are expected as Ondo continues to open land for controlled farming, with a focus on exports, youth employment and sustainable production.

Who was there

The event was attended by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti, the Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa, Agriculture Commissioner Leye Akinola, Police Commissioner Adebowale Lawal, and other top officials.

Nigeria’s push to reduce reliance on imported dairy products is beginning to show results, with Promasidor Nigeria reporting increased local milk production through its participation in the National Dairy Development Programme.

The fast-moving consumer goods company says its Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State has become a major contributor to local dairy output while supporting jobs, food security, and affordable nutrition for consumers.

Why it matters

Nigeria spends billions of dollars annually on dairy imports, placing pressure on foreign exchange and food prices.

Investment driving local production

Promasidor’s Chief Executive Officer, François Gillet, said the company’s dairy investment aligns with its long-term localisation strategy.

“As a market leader in quality food and beverage products, the national dairy development programme is a critical part of our long-term strategy to localise raw material sourcing, strengthen Nigeria’s dairy ecosystem, and ensure consistent delivery of nutritious milk products to consumers,” Mr Gillet said.

The Ikun Dairy Farm was established in 2019 through a partnership with the Ekiti State Government.

Promasidor invested an initial $5m in the project, followed by additional capital injections to expand operations.

The farm currently houses more than 750 high-yielding cattle, making it the largest dairy farm in Nigeria, according to the company.

Technology and sustainability

Promasidor says the farm relies on modern dairy management systems, including routine artificial insemination, to support herd growth and productivity.

Veterinary doctors and trained dairy practitioners oversee operations, helping to improve animal health and milk yields.

To secure feed supply, the company has cultivated over 500 hectares of maize and soya beans, aimed at ensuring consistent, high-quality nutrition for the cattle.

Jobs and community impact

Beyond production, the dairy project has become a significant source of employment in Ekiti State.

Promasidor says the farm directly employs more than 200 local residents, with over 1,000 indirect jobs created across nearby communities.

Local economic analysts say such projects can help slow rural-urban migration while improving household incomes.

Public health and education

As part of its social impact efforts, Promasidor runs the “Ikun Milk Day” initiative.

Under the programme, fresh milk from the Ikun Dairy Farm is distributed weekly to government primary school pupils in the Ikun community.

Education advocates say access to nutritious food can improve children’s concentration, school attendance, and learning outcomes.

A legacy in Nigeria’s dairy market

Promasidor has played a long-standing role in Nigeria’s dairy sector.

In 1993, the company disrupted the food and beverage market with the introduction of Cowbell Milk sachets, a format later adopted widely across the industry.

Today, its brand portfolio includes Cowbell, Loya, Miksi, Toptea, Onga, Twisco, and Kremela.

What’s next

Located on over 500 hectares in Ikun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area, the Ikun Dairy Farm is being positioned as a model for public-private collaboration in agriculture.