Agric research group unveils AI solution for food security

Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research logo. Photo credit: Farming farmers

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The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research says it will soon launch its new Artificial Intelligence-powered solution, the Demand Intelligence Framework, aimed at boosting research efforts, scaling existing innovations, improving food security and identifying other areas of effective demand in the food sector.

Speaking at a stakeholder consultation workshop in Abuja on Wednesday, the Country Convener of CGIAR in Nigeria, Ms Aline Mugisho, said that in line with the theme of the workshop, “Scaling for Impact,” the event was held to seek stakeholders’ views on how to scale up agricultural innovations and technologies, as well as obtain inputs on the new AI-powered solution before its launch.

The CGIAR, which is the umbrella body for various agricultural research organisations, has 14 centres, including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, WorldFish, International Livestock Research Institute, Africa Rice Centre, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics and International Water Management Institute.

Mugisho, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the IITA Youth in Agribusiness Unit, stated, “In Nigeria, we have about seven of these centres producing agricultural technologies. However, we learnt that some of our innovations and technologies are struggling to get to the private sector and the hands of farmers who need them, and this creates a gap between outcomes and impact.

“What we have done is come up with what we call the Demand Intelligence Framework, which is an AI-powered solution, to understand the bottlenecks and ensure that our research programmes, like our improved varieties of various crops, align with the real needs of farmers. This is important because it will boost agricultural productivity across Nigeria and Africa.”

She noted that the solution is scheduled to go live in Nigeria by early 2026, adding that it would thereafter be adapted for other African countries.

The Scaling and Artificial Intelligence Scientist at IITA, Dr Murat Sartas, said the DFI, when launched, would reshape research outcomes, adoption and impact, adding that the CGIAR requested that the DFI be designed in a way that allows adoption by other sectors.

He added, “AI is not that difficult, and it can be used by everyone. This DFI can help to increase agricultural productivity, but it can do even more.

“When you look at the current research system in Nigeria, there is quite some emphasis on productivity, which is fine, but this solution can help to optimise the entire value chain and integrate markets, finance and policies to create better value.”

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Production, Services and Rural Development, represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Salman Alhaji Salman, said there were several bills currently before the National Assembly aimed at strengthening national food security.

He added, “Since the President declared an emergency in the food sector, a lot of bills have come under consideration, and these are bills that, once passed into law, will ensure that Nigeria is able to increase its food production and maximise its potential in the food value chain.

“Already we know that Nigeria is experiencing exponential population growth, and coupled with other issues like climate change, there is even more pressure for us to increase our production.”

Princess, has three years journalism experience covering entertainment, including radio and TV and recently aviation and transport with Punch Newspapers

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