Agricultural extension refers to a suite of services that help to enhance farming through knowledge of best practices as they develop. This knowledge ensures that subsistence-minded farmers expand their scope of thinking to feed larger populations. Extension services include access to farm inputs, up-to-date information on soil management, seed quality, livestock production, and market links.
Agricultural extension services provide farmers with the knowledge, skills, and resources to improve productivity and sustainability. In Nigeria, these services have historically been delivered through government-led programs like the Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs), which rely on extension agents to train farmers on modern farming practices, pest control, and seed selection. Extension services bridge research institutes and farmers, ensuring scientific advancements reach rural communities.
However, the traditional extension model in Nigeria faces significant hurdles. With an extension agent-to-farmer ratio of approximately 1:10,000—far below the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s recommended 1:1,000—many farmers lack access to timely advice. Additionally, reliance on face-to-face training limits scalability, especially in remote areas. These challenges highlight the need for a modernised approach to extension services that leverages technology and collaboration to empower farmers.
To understand the future of agricultural extension services, examining the barriers hindering their effectiveness is essential. Below are the key challenges:
Limited access to information and technology
Many Nigerian farmers, particularly smallholders, lack access to up-to-date agricultural information. This gap prevents them from adopting improved seeds, fertilisers, maximising land use, or climate-smart farming techniques. Traditional extension methods, such as the Training and Visit (T&V) system, are labour-intensive and fail to reach farmers in remote areas. Moreover, Nigeria’s slow adoption of digital tools compared to countries like Kenya or Uganda exacerbates this issue.
Inadequate infrastructure and funding
Poor rural infrastructure, including bad roads and limited internet connectivity, hinders extension agents’ ability to reach farmers. Insufficient funding for ADPs means extension agents often lack vehicles, training materials, or operational budgets. For example, many state governments only cover salaries, leaving no funds for fieldwork or farmer outreach.
Low extension agent capacity
Extension agents in Nigeria often lack adequate training in modern agricultural practices, such as precision farming or post-harvest processing. Political interference in recruitment also leads to unqualified staff, reducing the quality of services. Continuous professional development is critical to equipping agents with the skills to support farmers effectively.
Gender and social inclusion gaps
Women comprise a significant portion of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce and are often underserved by extension services. Male-dominated extension teams may prioritise male farmers, limiting women’s access to training and resources. Similarly, youth and marginalised communities are frequently excluded, hindering inclusive agricultural growth.
As a country that loses 50% of its produce from poor storage and in-transit loss, agricultural extension services are necessary to improve farm yield. Agricultural extension services would offer much-needed technical assistance in key areas of agriculture from the farm to the table. The current situation keeps farmers locked in old ways of practice, with a low cap on the possible profit that can be generated. Improved extension services benefit everyone, enabling farmers to thrive, enhancing food security, and reducing food prices that inflation has neglected.
Despite these challenges, innovative trends are transforming agricultural extension services in Nigeria. By embracing these developments, stakeholders can build a more efficient and inclusive system.
Digital agricultural extension services
Digital agricultural extension services (DAES) are revolutionising how farmers access information. Mobile apps, SMS platforms, and web-based tools deliver real-time advice on weather, market prices, and pest management. For example, platforms like Farmonaut provide farmers with localised support through smartphones, bridging the extension-farmer gap. In Nigeria, where mobile phone penetration is high, DAES can reach millions of farmers at a low cost. Other African countries, such as Kenya with iCow, have successfully scaled digital extension, offering a model for Nigeria.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs)
Collaborations between government, private companies, and NGOs drive innovation in extension services. The Feed the Future Nigeria Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Activity, funded by USAID and PIND, partners with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to deliver extension messaging to two million smallholder farmers. These partnerships leverage private sector expertise and resources to scale impactful practices, such as improved seed varieties and climate-smart techniques.
Climate-smart agriculture
With climate change posing a growing threat to Nigerian agriculture, extension services increasingly focus on climate-smart practices. These include drought-resistant crops, water-efficient irrigation, and soil conservation techniques. Extension agents can use digital tools like drones and IoT devices to monitor soil conditions and provide tailored advice, helping farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Empowering women and youth
Inclusive extension services are gaining traction, with programs targeting women and youth. For instance, the Feed the Future initiative emphasises gender-sensitive training and financial access for women farmers. Engaging youth through digital platforms and agribusiness training also encourages their participation in agriculture, addressing the ageing farmer population.
The transformation of agricultural extension services is not just about improving yields—it’s about empowering farmers, ensuring food security, and diversifying Nigeria’s economy. With 70% of Nigerians engaged in agriculture, an efficient extension system can lift millions out of poverty and reduce reliance on oil. By embracing digital innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritising inclusion, Nigeria can build a sustainable agricultural future that benefits all.
The future of agricultural extension services in Nigeria is bright, but it requires collective action. Farmers should join local cooperatives to access digital extension tools and training. Policymakers should invest in rural infrastructure and clear extension policies. Together, we can transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
