Background
The Centre for Climate Smart Agriculture (CCSA) at Cosmopolitan University aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance farmer resilience, and improve agricultural productivity in Nigeria. Through digitalisation and AI-powered extension services, the program seeks to reach 2 million farmers by 2026, equipping them with essential knowledge and tools for climate-smart agriculture.
Objectives
- Develop a Comprehensive Farm/Farmer Information System
- Create a robust system to collect, store, and analyse farmer and farm-related data.
- Target database enrollment of 2 million farmers by the end of 2026.
- Conduct Farmer Enumeration and Data Collection
- Identify, register, and profile farmers in target areas to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
- Provide Training and Capacity Building
- Equip farmers, extension agents, and stakeholders with knowledge of the digital platform, AI-powered extension services, and climate-smart practices.
Specific Objectives and Timeline
1. Identify, Enroll, Tag, and Map Farmers (April - August 2025)
- Register 2 million farmers in the database.
- Collect and verify identity, financial, demographic, and agricultural data.
- Utilise GPS technology for farmer tagging and mapping.
2. Climate-Resilient Agriculture Training (June - September 2025)
- Develop and deliver training programs to 1 million farmers.
- Train farmers on digital tools for accessing climate information and market insights.
- Ensure inclusivity for women, youth, and farmers with disabilities.
3. Climate-Smart Advisory Services (September 2025 - December 2026)
- Deliver personalised advisory services through digital platforms and in-person sessions.
- Monitor and evaluate effectiveness in improving productivity, income, and climate resilience.
Methodology
- Stakeholder Engagement: Consult with farmers, extension agents, policymakers, and private sector players to align the system with their needs.
- System Design and Development: Incorporate AI-powered tools in the farm/farmer information system.
- Farmer Enumeration and Data Collection: Conduct field data collection and verification.
- Training and Capacity Building: Provide training to utilise digital tools and advisory services effectively.
- Pilot Testing and Iteration: Test, gather feedback, and refine the system.
Expected Outputs
- Comprehensive Farm/Farmer Information System: A user-friendly digital data collection and analysis platform.
- Accurate Farmer Data: A verified database with profiles, farm characteristics, and agricultural practices.
- Trained Farmers and Extension Agents: Equipped with skills to utilise digital and AI-powered advisory tools.
- Improved Extension Services: AI-powered advisory services tailored to farmers’ needs.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased Agricultural Productivity: 25% growth through climate-smart practices.
- Enhanced Farmer Resilience: Greater capacity to manage climate variability, pests, and diseases.
- Higher Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture: 50% increase in adopting sustainable farming practices.
Project Timeline
Q1 2025 (January - March)
- Establish partnerships and secure funding.
- Initiate system design and development.
- Train trainers for farmer engagement.
Q2 2025 (April - June)
- Launch farmer enumeration and data collection.
- Reach 1 million farmers.
- Set up regional hubs for implementation.
Q3 2025 (July - September)
- Conduct large-scale training for farmers and extension agents.
- Pilot test the system and refine scaling strategies.
Q4 2025 (October - December)
- Full-scale implementation of advisory services.
- Monitor, evaluate, and optimize the system.
2026 (January - December)
- Expand climate-smart advisory services to 2 million farmers.
- Conduct impact evaluation and plan for further scaling.
Key Activities and Timeline
Activity TImeline
- System Design & Development ( March - May 2025)
- Farmer Enrollment & Data Collection ( April - July 2025 )
- Farmer Tagging & Mapping ( June - August 2025 )
- Training & Capacity Building ( June - September 2025 )
- Pilot Testing & Iteration ( August - October 2025 )
- Climate-Smart Advisory Services ( November 2025 - December 2026 )
- Project Management & Coordination ( March 2025 - December 2026 )
Metrics
- Farmers Enrolled: 2 million.
- Farmers Trained: 1 million.
- Farmers Receiving Advisory Services: 1 million (digital + in-person).
- Increase in Farmers' Income: 25%.
- Increase in Productivity: 25%.
- Adoption of Climate-Smart Practices: 50%.
Conclusion
This initiative leverages AI and digital technologies to enhance climate-smart agricultural practices. By providing farmers with real-time advisory services and training, the project will contribute significantly to agricultural sustainability, resilience, and productivity in Nigeria.