How Artificial Intelligence is Helping Nigerian Farmers Boost Yields and Cut Losses

By Ugo Aliogo

In Nigeria’s increasingly unpredictable agricultural environment, technology is emerging as a critical tool for farmers seeking to protect yields, manage risks, and remain profitable. At Seed of Gold Farms in Osun State, the adoption of artificial intelligence-driven agricultural technology has demonstrated how data-led farming can translate into measurable gains on the field.

At Seed of Gold Farms in Osun State, Nigeria, agricultural technology has proven to be more than just a trend; it has become a lifeline. The farm’s success in boosting yields and cutting operational costs is proof of the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture.

By adopting the AgriIntel platform, an AI-powered farm intelligence tool, Seed of Gold Farms has experienced a remarkable transformation in its production processes, resulting in increased maize and tomato yields of over 26%, a nearly 30% reduction in water use, and a 18% decrease in operational costs.

For small- and medium-scale farmers across Nigeria, these kinds of results are not just impressive; they are transformative. In a country where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy but is constantly threatened by climate uncertainty, pests, and rising input costs, the need for smarter farming practices has never been more urgent.

“For years, the farm operated much like many small and medium-scale farms across Nigeria. Decisions regarding planting dates, irrigation, fertilizer use, and pest control were largely based on experience, visual field inspections, and historical seasonal patterns.

“While this approach had worked in the past, changing climate conditions began to expose its limitations. Rainfall became less predictable, dry spells more frequent, and the margin for error significantly smaller.

“We were reacting to problems instead of anticipating them. Often, losses had already started by the time signs showed up in the field”, Lamuye Adewale, Founder & Operational Manager, Seed of Gold Farms stated.

That shift prompted Seed of Gold Farms to adopt an AI-powered agricultural intelligence platform developed by agricultural technology experts Dr. Adekunle Adeyeye and Mr. Samuel Oshikoya. With AgriIntel, the farm began using localized weather-and-soil insights and predictive risk alerts to time irrigation, fertilizer application, and pest control more accurately, reducing guesswork and preventing losses before they spread.

In addition to AgriIntel, the farm also incorporates other digital tools that support day-to-day operations on the field. Zenvus is used to collect soil moisture and crop condition data at different stages of the growing cycle, helping the farm confirm when irrigation or fertilizer application is actually needed rather than relying on visual judgment alone.

The farm also uses Hello Tractor to secure tractor services for land preparation, ridging, and early planting activities, particularly at the beginning of the season when delays in mechanization can affect crop establishment and final yields. Together, these tools complement the farm’s broader shift toward more data-driven and timely decision-making.

Before AgriIntel, key decisions on when to irrigate, fertilize, or protect crops from pests were often reactive. Weather forecasts were ambiguous, and soil data, when available, was fragmented. Early warning signals for pests and diseases were rare, and farmers typically discovered issues only after visible damage had occurred. With AgriIntel, however, these decisions became proactive. The platform uses AI to forecast risks and opportunities with greater precision, allowing the farm to plan with confidence.

As climate pressures continue to reshape Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, the experience of Seed of Gold Farms offers a hopeful glimpse into what the future of farming can look like when technology meets local knowledge. By moving from reactive decision-making to predictive, data-driven farming, the farm has not only protected its crops but also strengthened its resilience against uncertainty.

More importantly, this shift shows that artificial intelligence is not just for large commercial farms, it is becoming accessible and practical for everyday Nigerian farmers. When AI is used thoughtfully, it can help farmers conserve scarce resources, reduce losses, and make faster and smarter decisions that directly impact their livelihoods.

For farmers across the country facing similar challenges of erratic weather, rising costs, and shrinking margins, embracing digital tools is now pertinent. As Seed of Gold Farms has demonstrated, the right technology, paired with experience and commitment, can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help secure a more productive and sustainable future for Nigerian agriculture.