By Agrobroadcast Team
Practice, a European Union–supported project promoting agroecological practices, has introduced a digital decision support system aimed at assisting smallholder farmers and agroecology advisors in Nigeria to make data-driven farm management decisions.
The innovation consists of two interconnected mobile applications designed for farmers and advisors. The farmers’ application delivers real-time insights and alerts on farm conditions, helping users respond effectively to changes in crop performance, fish production and overall farm operations. The platform also improves communication between farmers and technical advisors.
Through the application, farmers can access up-to-date information generated from questionnaires and farm data, enabling them to take appropriate actions based on current conditions.
According to Margherita Trestini, General Manager of Apodissi, the system relies on the installation of monitoring equipment at the farm gate.
“A monitoring system installation is required at the farm gate. 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.
The advisor-focused application is designed to support technical decision-making by collecting data from sensors that monitor soil and water parameters. It features an interactive map displaying farm locations and infrastructure, alongside tools for tracking indicators and visualising data to support informed recommendations.
Advisors are responsible for developing and managing indicators and alerts based on both sensor data and field observations. This ensures farmers receive accurate insights and practical guidance when potential risks or critical issues are identified.
“Advisors play a key role in creating and managing indicators based on real-world measurements, while farmers use these insights to take timely and informed actions,” Trestini added.
The tools were developed under the Horizon Europe programme, funded by the European Union, using a co-creation approach that actively involved key agroecology stakeholders throughout the development process.
The project team identified specific frameworks early in the process, including barriers and enabling factors for agroecological transition in East Africa, and adapted indicators to reflect the diverse agricultural zones and climate conditions in the region.
The framework was later expanded to incorporate climate change mitigation and adaptation impacts, as well as the financial sustainability of smallholder farming systems.