70% of agric data in govt hands outdated — Survey

A significant portion of agricultural data within Nigerian government institutions is outdated and insufficient, a new study by the Nigeria Agribusiness Data and Investment Hub (NADIH) has found. The research, a collaboration between Lagos Business School and Augmentum Advisory, indicates that while government bodies control approximately 70% of agricultural datasets, much of this information is too old or inadequate to support effective decision-making for farmers, investors, and policymakers. The findings were presented at the formal launch of the Nigeria Agribusiness Data and Investment Forum in Lagos. The study highlighted fragmentation across institutions as a major impediment to generating quality agricultural information. Furthermore, inadequate funding and a shortage of skilled manpower were identified as key constraints, accounting for 56% of the challenges faced by data providers. Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, however, suggested that the core issue extends beyond funding or data availability. She pointed to the high level of informality within the food system, where traders and market operators are often reluctant to share accurate information due to fears of government interference and extortion. Olusanya emphasized that building trust and providing incentives are crucial for obtaining reliable data, otherwise, efforts are futile. Dr. Adeniji Adedeji from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development mentioned the ministry's strategy to boost the livestock sector's GDP contribution, with data as a foundational pillar.

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No single source can anchor ongoing sustainability. As such, blended models are a necessary opportunity to coordinate across key ecosystem players for efficient resource allocation.