Dr. Idongesit Mbaram, CEO of the Sustainable Agro and Hunger Eradication Foundation (SAHE), pledged the foundation’s commitment to developing a technology-driven agricultural sector in Nigeria.
She made this announcement during the launch of the Young Tech Farmers (YTF) Club at the University of Lagos, Akoka. Dr. Mbaram emphasized the critical role of young people as the “bridge between the rich history of agriculture and the innovative potential of technology.”
The event brought together various agricultural and educational stakeholders, along with students aged 12-16 from senior secondary schools in Lagos State.
Addressing the students, Dr. Mbaram stated, “Today marks a momentous occasion. We are on the brink of a new era in agriculture, powered by technology and the passion of young minds!”
“In 2019, I received a vision from God. A vision of young people not just tending fields, but revolutionizing them! The SAHE Foundation was born from that vision, with a deep belief that agriculture holds immense potential waiting to be unlocked by the next generation,” she continued.
“We envision a nation where agriculture thrives in harmony with nature. This vision led to the creation of the SAHE Foundation, based on the belief that young minds hold the key to unlocking agriculture’s true potential.”
Dr. Mbaram highlighted, “For too long, agriculture has been seen as a traditional, labor-intensive profession. But the reality is, it’s on the verge of a technological transformation! Drones are surveying crops, robots are weeding rows, and data analysis is optimizing yields. This is the future of farming, and it’s filled with exciting possibilities.”
“That’s where YOU, the Young Tech Farmers Club, come in! You are the bridge between the rich history of agriculture and the innovative potential of technology. You are the ones who will not just cultivate crops, but cultivate a whole new way of thinking about food production,” Dr. Mbaram concluded, calling the young audience to action.
In his remarks, Dr. Francis Toromade, DG of Premier Agribusiness Academy and Soy Value Chain expert, praised SAHE and NAPPS for launching the initiative. He noted that the program would set a strong foundation for Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
As the keynote speaker, Dr. Toromade elaborated, “We are embarking on a journey to develop a nation of technology-driven farmers. We will explore how local departments are reshaping farming practices.”
“Agriculture has a long history of embracing innovations,” Dr. Toromade continued. “From the invention of the simple hoe to the advent of mechanization, we have witnessed a digital revolution. Technological tools like IoT sensors, tractors, drones, and more have been integrated into agriculture, simplifying tasks for farmers. There are even technologies to assess soil nutrients.”
“These technologies help increase efficiency, enhance productivity, maintain sustainable practices, and ensure resilience against agricultural challenges.”
However, Dr. Toromade also highlighted challenges facing technology-driven agriculture, including poor infrastructure, government policies and regulations, and lack of funding.
He concluded by urging parents at the event to instill agricultural values in their children to promote societal growth.
