EU-Funded PrAEctiCe Project Set to Revolutionize Nigerian Agriculture with AI-Powered Decision Support Tool
By Nigeria Time News Editorial Team
LAGOS, Nigeria — June 19, 2025 — In a groundbreaking move set to transform agricultural practices across Sub-Saharan Africa, the European Union-funded Horizon Europe project PrAEctiCe is developing a cutting-edge Decision Support Tool (DST) for farmers in Nigeria. The tool aims to improve farming efficiency, sustainability, and food security as part of broader efforts to tackle Africa’s growing agricultural challenges.
During a recent workshop held in Lagos, themed “Research to Commercialisation: Case Study of Horizon Europe Projects,” project partner Apodissi announced that the DST would be commercialized in Nigeria, ushering in a new era of precision agriculture.
Addressing Food Security Through Innovation
Nigeria is currently facing a worsening food security crisis, compounded by rapid population growth. With the population projected to hit 400 million by 2040, stakeholders are racing against time to modernize the agricultural sector.
Dr. Oyebola Olusegun, a lecturer at the Department of Crop Culture and Fishery Management, University of Ibadan, emphasized the urgency of the situation at the workshop.
“Our current systems cannot sustain the future. If we do not shift towards sustainable and technology-driven agricultural practices now, we won’t be able to feed ourselves or support local industries,” he warned.
What is the PrAEctiCe DST?
The PrAEctiCe Decision Support Tool is an advanced application being designed to provide farmers with real-time monitoring and analysis of key agricultural parameters such as:
- Soil health
- Water quality
- Crop condition
- Weather patterns
Powered by AI-based data transformation, the DST collects and integrates information from multiple sources—sensors, satellites, and manual input—into actionable insights delivered via a user-friendly mobile application.
Innovative Agricultural Technologies Introduced
Among the project’s innovations are sustainable, low-energy aquaponic systems and waste recycling models designed to increase productivity and reduce costs:
- Low-energy pump aquaponic systems that recycle fish wastewater to nourish crops.
- Zero-pump manual aquaponic systems integrated with yam/tuber production units.
- Solid waste collection for biofertilizer production.
- Liquid fish wastewater used by surrounding crop farmers for irrigation.
These technologies are being tested in living labs in Ibadan, using a co-creation model involving farmers, researchers, and policy actors.
Partnerships and Commercialization Strategy
According to Margherita Trestini, Managing Director of Apodissi, the DST is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, and is projected to reach TRL 8 by the first quarter of 2026. The commercialization will be carried out in partnership with:
- University of Maribor – developers of the DST application
- Aquagri IIM – specialists in irrigation management
- AquaBiotech Limited – experts in aquaculture innovation
In Nigeria, the deployment will be facilitated by three Digital Innovation Hubs:
- DigiPlus Alliance
- WiderNetFarms
- F-TAIP
These hubs, mentored by Apodissi, will introduce the DST to cooperatives, farmer associations, and chambers of commerce across the country.
Policy Alignment and Government Support
Representing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Omolara Abimbola Oguntuyi noted that the DST project aligns with Nigeria’s priorities in promoting sustainable agriculture, especially among women and youth.
“These EU-backed initiatives are consistent with our ministry’s push for environmentally conscious and inclusive farming methods,” she stated.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Agriculture for a Sustainable Nigeria
As Nigeria confronts the triple challenge of food insecurity, youth unemployment, and climate change, the PrAEctiCe DST emerges as a beacon of innovation. By combining AI, IoT, and circular agriculture, the tool promises to elevate productivity, reduce waste, and ensure food security for future generations.
With deployment plans already in motion and field testing underway, the DST is positioned to play a transformative role in the Nigerian agricultural landscape—connecting farmers with data, insights, and tools they need to thrive.