Abuja: Agrify, an NGO in partnership with the Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF), has introduced an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered agricultural tool and distributed biochar to farmers in Zuma Community, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to enhance agricultural productivity. The initiative was introduced in Abuja to mark the 2026 World Environment Day with targeted farmers and community leaders. It focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental sustainability.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Ayodele Erinle, Founder of Agrify, stated that the platform, ‘Agrify AI,’ was designed to address the challenge of poor traceability in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Erinle explained that inadequate information on the sources and production processes of food products hampered efforts to trace farming practices and promote accountability throughout the agricultural value chain. The Agrify AI application allows farmers to input details such as crop type and location, receiving tailored advice and recommendations for farming practices. It also includes guidance on the appropriate usage of biochar and other soil-enhancing inputs.
Erinle elaborated that farmers could also ask questions through the platform and obtain practical guidance aimed at improving crop yields and farm management. The technology will help document farming activities and enable farmers to submit photographs and reports showing conditions before and after the use of recommended inputs. Erinle noted that the platform would promote low-cost farming solutions by recommending locally sourced organic fertilizers made from agricultural waste, reducing dependence on expensive farm inputs. The project aims to improve food production and household welfare, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that farming families are better nourished and able to support their children’s education.
The programme was initially designed to work with 100 farmers but attracted participation from more people than anticipated. Farmers with smartphones were given priority for enrolment on the Agrify AI application, which provides digital agronomic support and recommendations to facilitate effective monitoring. ‘We wanted farmers who could interact with the application because monitoring is an important part of the pilot phase. Through the app, we can track usage, engagement, and outcomes,’ Erinle said. Farmers selected for the digital component received hands-on training on how to use the application to capture farm data and access recommendations aimed at improving productivity.
Ms. Keren Samari, the TCF Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, emphasized that farmers without smartphones were not excluded from the programme as they received sensitization on proper fertilizer application and the use of farming tools. ‘We ensured that everyone who attended this exercise benefited from the programme in one way or another. Those who were not selected for the app-based monitoring still received guidance and support,’ she said. This phase will allow assessment of the effectiveness of combining AI-powered advisory services with agricultural inputs before expanding the initiative to other communities.
Mr. Ezra Iyah, Chief of Zuma, represented by Peter Saidu, a community farmer, expressed appreciation to the organizations and assured them of the community’s continued support to boost agricultural activities. A beneficiary, Mrs. Godiya James, a farmer from Zuma Community, identified inadequate fertilizer, limited access to quality seeds, insufficient agrochemicals, and lack of finance as challenges affecting farmers. She described the intervention as timely and beneficial. ‘This type of support is highly welcome. We need quality seedlings, fertilizers, and financial assistance to improve production and support farm labor,’ she said.
Similarly, another farmer, Allahyayi Musa, expressed appreciation to Agrify, stating that the introduction of innovative technologies would help improve farming outcomes, especially maize production. Musa, who has seven hectares of farmland, noted that the support came at a crucial time as some parts of the farmland were no longer as productive as they used to be. ‘The fertilizer will go a long way in helping us, especially for maize production. We appreciate Agrify and Tabitha Cumi Foundation for their support,’ he said.
Biochar fertilizer, an organic soil amendment known for improving soil nutrient retention and water-holding capacity, was distributed to the farmers, enhancing their agricultural practices and productivity.