CHALLENGES

The Data Deficit Blocking Agricultural Growth

Nigeria’s more than 50 million smallholder farmers grow the majority of the nation’s food and drive rural economies across the country. Their role is central to food security, poverty reduction, and inclusive economic growth. Yet despite billions in public and private investment, the sector remains underfinanced and underperforming. A key reason: the institutions that serve these farmers—banks, agribusinesses, government agencies, and development partners—lack access to the farm-level data needed to deliver targeted support, scale interventions, and unlock sustained impact.

Farmers

  • Low Yields from Limited Inputs & Support

    Most smallholders lack access to improved seeds, fertilizer, mechanization, and timely agronomic advice—leading to yields far below regional benchmarks.

  • No Access to Credit

    Without collateral or farm records, farmers are excluded from formal financing and unable to invest in productivity-enhancing inputs.

  • Market Exclusion

    Limited traceability, price transparency, and buyer access force farmers to sell at a loss and miss out on premium markets.

  • Infrastructure Deficits

    Poor roads, lack of irrigation, and inadequate storage drive post-harvest losses and hinder scale.

Governments & NGOs

  • Poor Agricultural Data: Fragmented, outdated, or incomplete data undermines national programs and donor-funded initiatives.

  • Limited Policy Impact: Over 30% of public subsidies and interventions are misallocated due to imprecise targeting and weak monitoring.

  • Fraud & Corruption Risks: Lack of field-level transparency in large-scale agricultural programs opens the door to leakages, ghost beneficiaries, and inflated claims.

Agribusinesses

  • Sourcing Inconsistencies

    Post-harvest losses and uncoordinated supply chains lead to 40%+ shortfalls in raw materials for food processors.

  • Traceability Challenges

    Lack of farm-level traceability and phytosanitary documentation results in lost export markets and trade bans (e.g., hibiscus, sesame).

  • Poor Demand Forecasting

    Without reliable supply-side data, agribusinesses struggle to predict crop availability, manage inventory, and optimize procurement.