Agrify, in partnership with the Tabitha Cumi Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered agricultural platform alongside the distribution of biochar to farmers in Zuma Community, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in a move aimed at improving agricultural productivity and promoting environmental sustainability.
The initiative, which was organised in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day, brought together farmers and community leaders with a focus on advancing climate-smart agriculture and improving soil health in rural farming communities.
Founder of Agrify, Mr Ayodele Erinle, said the intervention centres on an AI-driven digital platform known as Agrify AI, designed to address gaps in traceability and information access within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
Erinle explained that the platform was developed to improve accountability and transparency in food production systems, noting that poor traceability has long undermined efforts to track farming practices from production to consumption.
“The Agrify AI application allows farmers to input details such as crop type, location and receive tailored advice and recommendations for farming practices,” he said. “It also entails the appropriate usage of biochar and other soil-enhancing inputs.”
He added that the platform enables farmers to ask questions and receive practical, localised guidance aimed at improving yields and farm management practices.
“The technology will also help document farming activities and enable farmers to submit photographs and reports showing conditions before and after the use of recommended inputs,” Erinle said.
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According to him, the system also promotes low-cost farming by recommending locally sourced organic fertilisers derived from agricultural waste, thereby reducing dependence on expensive commercial inputs.
Erinle further noted that the broader goal of the initiative is to improve food security and household welfare in farming communities. “When farmers succeed, families become more food secure, and children can remain in school,” he said.
He explained that although the programme was initially designed for 100 farmers, participation exceeded expectations. Farmers with smartphones were prioritised for enrolment in the digital component to ensure effective interaction with the AI system.
“We wanted farmers who could interact with the application because monitoring is an important part of the pilot phase,” he said. “Through the app, we can track usage, engagement and outcomes.”
He added that selected farmers received hands-on training on how to capture farm data and use the platform to access agronomic recommendations.
Also speaking, Ms Keren Samari, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Tabitha Cumi Foundation, said farmers without smartphones were not excluded from the programme, as they benefited from sensitisation on fertiliser application and proper use of farming inputs.
“We ensured that everyone who attended this exercise benefited from the programme in one way or another,” she said. “Those who were not selected for the app-based monitoring still received guidance and support.”
She explained that the pilot phase would help assess the effectiveness of combining AI-driven advisory tools with agricultural inputs before scaling the initiative to other communities.
Community leaders also commended the intervention. The Chief of Zuma, Mr Ezra Iyah, represented by farmer Peter Saidu, expressed appreciation for the programme and pledged continued community support for agricultural development efforts.
A beneficiary, Mrs Godiya James, described the intervention as timely, noting that farmers in the community face challenges such as high fertiliser costs, limited access to quality seeds, agrochemicals, and financing.
“Many farmers rely on seeds saved from previous harvests because they cannot afford improved varieties,” she said. “This type of support is highly welcome. We need quality seedlings, fertilisers, and financial assistance to improve production and support farm labour.”
Another farmer, Allahyayi Musa, who cultivates seven hectares of maize, said the initiative would improve productivity, especially in areas where soil fertility has declined.
“The fertiliser will go a long way in helping us, especially for maize production. We appreciate Agrify and Tabitha Cumi Foundation for their support,” he said.
Organisers of the event report that biochar, an organic soil amendment known for improving nutrient retention and water-holding capacity, was distributed to participating farmers as part of the intervention, and expressed overwhelming satisfaction at the success of the programme.
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