Abuja: Stakeholders in the agriculture sector have identified the establishment of a National Digital Farmers Registry (NDFR) as crucial for enhancing food systems through innovative technology. The registry aims to streamline efforts and improve the effectiveness of agricultural interventions.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the stakeholders, including the Federal Government, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Heifer International, and other partners, have emphasized the importance of a sustainable digital farmers registry. Dr. Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer International, Nigeria, highlighted in a presentation titled "Towards a NDFR in Nigeria: How Might We Work Together?" that the registry is essential for avoiding duplication of efforts by various actors and fostering synergy in delivering digitally enabled services.
Dr. Tobe elaborated that the NDFR would facilitate data-driven decision-making, support targeted advisory services, provide access to financial support information, and offer integrated solutions considering the ecosystem and available resources. He stressed that the project aims to improve coordination among food system actors, ensuring equitable distribution of agricultural solutions and better resource deployment, including infrastructure.
Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, described the NDFR as foundational for evidence-based planning and targeted policy-making within the agricultural ecosystem. He noted that the registry would help identify and support genuine farmers, eliminate inefficiencies, and align resources with national priorities. Furthermore, financial institutions, agribusinesses, insurers, and other stakeholders would be empowered to engage with farmers more effectively.
In agreement, IFAD Country Director Dede Ekoue stated that the ongoing dialogue is aimed at initiating the NDFR, which will be housed at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. She emphasized the importance of partnership in ensuring the successful implementation of the registry, underscoring that data serves as the foundation for effective policy and investment decisions. Ekoue confirmed that the NDFR initiative would be executed through IFAD's digital innovation action plan in collaboration with other stakeholders, providing comprehensive profiles of farmers, including details about their farms, crop types, and financial status.