FG Partners with NIMC to Launch Data-Capturing Scheme for Nigerian Farmers
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has launched a groundbreaking data-capturing initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and providing targeted support to Nigerian farmers.
The initiative, unveiled by Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, seeks to create a comprehensive database of farmers across the country.
This move is expected to significantly improve agricultural planning and intervention by ensuring that accurate and up-to-date information is available to policymakers and stakeholders.“This is a crucial step towards transforming the agricultural sector.
By capturing accurate data on our farmers, we can better understand their needs and allocate resources accordingly,” Fashedemi stated during the launch.
The collaboration will leverage NIMC’s expertise in identity management to develop a robust and reliable database.
“NIMC’s role in this initiative is indispensable; their expertise will ensure that we have a comprehensive and accurate dataset,” Fashedemi added.
To ensure the successful implementation of this scheme, a Technical Working Group (TWG) has been established. The TWG, led by the Director of the Department of Planning and Policy Coordination, includes directors from various technical departments within the ministry and a representative from NIMC.
Their primary task is to develop effective strategies for data capture and management.
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“Our goal is to ensure proper identification and support for farmers across Nigeria,” Fashedemi emphasized.
The TWG will be responsible for building a detailed work plan with clear timelines, roles, and responsibilities, as well as designing robust data collection tools to gather essential information about farmers, including personal identification, farm size, and crop types.
Additionally, the group will identify and implement training programs for field officers and data collectors to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the data collected.
Dr. Peter Iwegbu, Director of Card Management Services at NIMC, reiterated the commission’s commitment to the initiative.
“We are committed to ensuring that the data we collect is accurate, reliable, and secure. This information will be used to improve the lives of Nigerian farmers,” he said.
Fashedemi also highlighted the broader impact of using data in agriculture, stating, “By investing in data-driven agriculture, we are taking a significant step towards achieving food security and empowering our farmers.”
This initiative follows the federal government’s announcement in July of the development of a web application designed to train farmers on best practices for different crops.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, explained that the app, which will be available in major languages, aims to address the low ratio of extension workers to farmers, thereby improving access to up-to-date farming information.
In addition, the Minister assured the public that commodity prices are expected to decrease soon due to several federal government programs and interventions.
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