The push for greater technological adoption in Nigeria’s agricultural sector has gained fresh momentum, with Dr. Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer International Nigeria, urging stakeholders to embrace innovation as a key solution to food insecurity and inefficiency in the industry. Speaking at the soft launch of the **AYuTe Nigeria Challenge 2025** in Abuja, Tobe underscored the transformative potential of agri-tech in modernising farming practices, enhancing productivity, and creating employment opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
The AYuTe Nigeria Challenge, an initiative by Heifer International, is designed to support young innovators in developing tech-driven solutions to persistent challenges across the agricultural value chain. From low productivity and post-harvest losses to limited access to finance and markets, the programme seeks to harness digital tools—such as data analytics, precision farming, and mobile-based platforms—to streamline operations and improve outcomes for smallholder farmers, who constitute over 80% of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce.
Tobe highlighted that digitisation is no longer optional but a necessity for scaling agricultural production and ensuring food security. “Technology brings efficiency into the food system, improves investment effectiveness, and enables better tracking of impact,” he said. Digital solutions, for instance, allow farmers to monitor soil health in real time, optimise pest control measures, and connect directly with buyers, reducing waste and increasing profitability. For a country where youth make up 60% of the population, engaging this demographic in agri-tech innovation could be pivotal in addressing both unemployment and food shortages.
Since its inception, the AYuTe Challenge has already demonstrated tangible results. Past winners have transitioned from conceptual ideas to commercially viable businesses, thanks to Heifer International’s blend of financial support, mentorship, and investor networking. The 2025 edition will maintain a total prize pool of $40,000, with the top innovator receiving $20,000, but Tobe emphasised that the competition’s value extends beyond cash rewards. Many alumni have become programme partners, implementing scalable solutions and attracting further investment to expand their operations.
However, the journey from innovation to sustainability has not been without hurdles. Some finalists from previous editions struggled to maintain momentum post-competition, prompting Heifer International to introduce a follow-up programme offering technical and business development support. This initiative aims to bridge gaps in access to funding, refine business models, and ensure that promising startups do not stall after the initial push. “We want to make sure that these ideas don’t just win prizes but evolve into businesses that can stand the test of time,” Tobe explained.
The challenge is open to a broad range of agricultural solutions, including climate-smart technologies, disease and pest management, and sustainable farming practices. By fostering an ecosystem where young innovators can thrive, Heifer International aligns with Nigeria’s broader food security goals—particularly the government’s push for self-sufficiency in food production. Yet, as Tobe noted, achieving this vision requires more than isolated efforts; it demands a concerted integration of technology into every facet of agriculture, from farm to market.
For a sector long characterised by manual processes and fragmented value chains, the shift toward digitalisation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. If successfully harnessed, agri-tech could not only boost yields and incomes for smallholder farmers but also position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s evolving food systems. The AYuTe Challenge, in this context, serves as both a catalyst and a test case for how technology can reshape the future of farming—one innovation at a time.