Nigeria’s former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Olorunnimbe Mamora, has said that for the country to overcome its food security challenges, it must urgently invest in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture to mitigate risks, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve farming systems.

Mamora gave the charge during the 28th yearly lecture in honour of former Minister of Education in the Western Region of Nigeria, Prof. Stephen Oluwole Awokoya.

The lecture, organised by the Stephen Oluwole Awokoya Foundation for Science Education (SOAFSE), also featured the award of postgraduate scholarships to seven individuals in STEM across various universities in the country, bringing the total number of beneficiaries since its inception in 1995 to 141.

Mamora, who chaired the event held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, stressed the need to recalibrate value systems among the youthful population so that agriculture could be seen as both important and respectable.

He, however, expressed concerns about younger generations, particularly Gen Z, who are abandoning agriculture for quick wealth schemes, noting that the situation, if not reversed, would pose serious implications for the country’s effort in tackling food security.

The former minister noted that modern agriculture does not require mass participation, pointing out that in advanced economies, a small percentage of the population, supported by mechanisation and technology, such as AI, can feed entire nations.

He said: “It is not a question of compelling. You can’t compel people to go into agriculture. No! What’s the percentage of the population in America that provides food for the entire nation? So, it’s mostly in the age of mechanisation, AI and all that, you just need a small fraction, provided we are doing it the way it should be done, and putting the focus where it should be.”

Also, a Director at the Centre for Gender Issues in Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Prof. Christianah Ijagbemi, said that food security remains one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century.

She noted that despite progress in agricultural innovation and international development, hunger and malnutrition remain persistent.

She noted that the introduction of AI into food systems represents a paradigm shift, which offers new tools to tackle multidimensional challenges of food security.

The lecturer, while describing AI as a key enabler of the fourth agricultural revolution, said that the adoption of AI in some regions had proved to be a strategic imperative for addressing global food security.

Ijagbemi, therefore, urged the youths to turn their focus to agriculture, noting that the belief that it doesn’t yield quick money is a mere misconception.

“Agriculture can be highly lucrative, especially with the integration of AI. With the right knowledge and skills, a young person can develop AI solutions for farmers, automating tasks like irrigation, planting, and harvesting. This allows them to earn income without manual labor.

“AI in agriculture means you don’t always have to be physically present in the fields. Robotics and automated systems can manage tasks remotely, while young innovators can generate income through coding, system design, and problem-solving for farmers. Agriculture, with AI, is profitable, modern, and offers a sustainable livelihood,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Foundation honoured the current Pro-Chancellor & Chairman of the Governing Council, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) and former Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof. Rahamon Bello, and Mrs Folashade Alli (SAN) with awards for their outstanding achievement while the immediate past chairman of the Foundation, Prof. Ayo Ogunye, received a Lifetime Achievement Award.