PrAEctiCe Deploys Support Tools for Farmers, Extension Workers in Nigeria

News in brief:

-PrAEctiCe introduces mobile tools for farmers and agroecology advisors in Nigeria.

-The apps provide real-time data, alerts, and decision support, and the project was funded by the EU under the Horizon Europe programme.

PrAEctiCe, an organisation supporting smallholder farmers in their agroecological transition, has recently developed digital decision support tools to assist farmers and agroecology advisors in making informed farm-level decisions in Nigeria.

The tools are designed to improve access to farm data, strengthen communication between farmers and advisors, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Farmers’ Mobile App Provides Real-Time Insights

The farmers’ mobile application provides users with information needed to take appropriate actions based on current farm conditions. It also enables easier communication with agroecology advisors.

Key features include access to data insights and alerts on farm performance, crop and fish development, and general farm information collected through structured questionnaires.

According to Margherita Trestini, general manager of Apodissi, the deployment of the tools requires the installation of monitoring systems at farm sites.

“These systems will provide real-time data monitoring and analysis of key parameters such as water quality, soil conditions and crop health to farmers and advisors,” Trestini said.

Advisors’ Platform Strengthens Technical Oversight

The advisor-focused application is designed to support technical roles and facilitate data collection from sensors monitoring soil and water parameters.

It features an interactive map displaying farm locations and infrastructure, as well as tools for indicator monitoring and visualisation to support effective decision-making.

Advisors are responsible for creating and managing indicators and alerts based on sensor data and field observations, ensuring that farmers receive accurate insights and actionable guidance when issues arise.

Co-Creation Approach Under Horizon Europe Project

The tools were developed under a Horizon Europe project funded by the European Union, using a co-creation approach that involved key agroecology stakeholders throughout the development process.

According to the project team, early stages focused on identifying frameworks related to barriers and drivers of agroecological transition, adjusting indicators to reflect agricultural zones and climate conditions, and assessing climate change mitigation, adaptation impacts, and the financial viability of smallholder farms.

The statement noted that data generated through the process were refined using expert input from within and outside the project consortium.

These results informed the final development of the decision support tools, with refinements incorporating user perspectives to improve system efficiency, performance, and visual analytics.