In the heart of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, a software engineer is spearheading a revolution, blending technology with traditional farming to create a sustainable future. Nnamdi Richie Adigwe, co-founder of Uplifting Youth Through Agriculture (UYOTA), is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging his background in software engineering to modernise agriculture and attract the country’s youth to the sector.
Adigwe’s journey into agriculture is deeply rooted in his upbringing. His parents’ involvement in farming sparked his initial interest, but it was an agricultural tour to Thailand that truly ignited his passion. “Thailand’s agricultural sector is a model of efficiency, innovation, and government support,” Adigwe explains. He believes Nigeria can learn valuable lessons from Thailand’s integration of technology and mechanisation in farming, such as precision farming, automated irrigation systems, and drone technology. These advancements, he argues, can significantly improve productivity and make agriculture more appealing to young people.
Adigwe’s vision for Nigeria’s agricultural sector is clear: a youth-driven, tech-savvy industry that is both profitable and sustainable. He emphasizes the need for value addition and agro-processing, highlighting Thailand’s success in transforming raw crops into market-ready products. “Nigeria can benefit from this approach by developing local processing industries to reduce post-harvest losses and increase export potential,” he says.
The challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector are numerous, from poor infrastructure and climate change to limited access to credit. Adigwe calls for a proactive approach from the government, including investments in infrastructure, promotion of sustainable farming practices, and support for young agripreneurs. He also stresses the importance of research and innovation to introduce more efficient and sustainable farming methods.
To encourage youth involvement, Adigwe suggests modernising the perception of farming by integrating technology and showcasing its profitability. He advocates for incentives, startup funding, and agribusiness incubators to attract young people to the sector. UYOTA, under his leadership, is taking significant steps in this direction. The organisation will host the Africa Youth Agri-Business Summit and Awards later this year, providing training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for young agribusiness enthusiasts.
UYOTA’s efforts to engage rural youths are particularly noteworthy. By partnering with local governments, traditional leaders, and the Ministry of Youths, the NGO aims to reach rural communities directly. Adigwe believes that involving local government chairpersons, counselors, and traditional leaders is crucial for mobilising rural youths and providing them with exposure, training, and opportunities for agribusiness advancement.
Adigwe’s insights on food security are equally compelling. He advocates for the adoption of drought-resistant crops, regenerative agriculture, and precision farming techniques. He also highlights the role of digital platforms in increasing food production and reducing post-harvest losses. Collaboration between farmers, the government, and other stakeholders, he argues, is essential for overcoming food insecurity in Nigeria.
As Nigeria strives to revolutionise its agricultural sector, Adigwe’s work with UYOTA serves as a beacon of hope. His unique blend of software engineering and agricultural expertise is paving the way for a future where technology and tradition coexist, creating a sustainable and profitable agricultural landscape for Nigeria’s youth.
