As the global demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to surge, sectors in Nigeria are increasingly adopting AI-driven solutions to enhance productivity. One of the latest innovations is the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), which recently launched the Livestock Data and Market Information System (LMIS). The LMIS is an AI-powered platform designed to provide real-time market information aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector by improving productivity, commercialization, and resilience.
During a one-day workshop in Abuja, L-PRES National Project Coordinator, Mr. Sanusi Abubakar, described the LMIS as a crucial tool for livestock farmers and traders. According to Abubakar, the system will serve as a comprehensive database, offering early warnings and vital market information through various channels, enabling farmers to make informed marketing decisions. He also noted that LMIS aligns with one of L-PRES’s key performance indicators—helping livestock producers access profitable markets.
“The system will create a comprehensive marketing database to assist with planning, policy formulation, research, and trend monitoring,” Abubakar stated, emphasizing the transformative potential of the system.
The Data Challenge in Livestock Farming
Prof. Herbert Udo, Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, also underscored the importance of data in livestock development. “In Nigeria, livestock owners frequently exchange animals for income without proper data collection or transaction records,” Udo noted, pointing to a critical gap in the system. He argued that AI-powered platforms, such as the LMIS, could provide farmers with market-related information via simple and user-friendly tools, potentially increasing income and reducing poverty.
Udo further emphasized that a robust livestock marketing information system is essential for national planning, adding that partnerships between farmers, markets, and policymakers in other African countries have led to notable successes. He expressed optimism that similar results could be achieved in Nigeria through collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science.
Access to Real-Time Information: A Game-Changer?
Mr. Ibrahim Wali, representing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the importance of accurate data in improving livestock productivity. According to Wali, the number of animals in Nigeria is currently uncertain, and prices for livestock products, such as a kilo of meat in different regions, are often based on guesswork.
“Real-time data on livestock prices will be beneficial, especially for sheep, beef, or poultry,” Wali said, noting that consumer behavior has shifted significantly with the rise of online purchasing. He explained that consumers today want access to detailed information about the quality and price of products before making purchases, which is becoming increasingly possible thanks to digital innovations like LMIS.
“Everything is consumer-driven now, especially post-COVID-19. People want to know the quality of beef or chicken before buying, and with this platform, they can access that information from anywhere,” Wali added, citing examples of consumers ordering products online in Lagos while knowing prices in real-time from Maiduguri or Abuja.
Is AI the Solution Nigeria Needs Now?
While the LMIS promises transformative benefits, the question remains: is this the right time for Nigeria to adopt AI-powered solutions for the livestock sector? On the surface, the system appears promising, offering real-time market information, enhanced data collection, and tools for improving productivity. However, several challenges need to be critically examined.
1. Infrastructure Gap: Nigeria’s rural areas, where most livestock farmers operate, face significant infrastructure issues, including limited internet access, unreliable electricity, and poor mobile network coverage. How effective will a real-time digital platform be in such conditions? Can the LMIS, which depends heavily on connectivity, reach and support the majority of smallholder farmers in remote areas?
2. Digital Literacy: The success of AI-powered tools hinges not just on their availability but also on the ability of users to navigate them. Many rural livestock farmers in Nigeria have limited digital literacy. Will they be able to fully utilize a platform like LMIS without extensive training? What measures are in place to ensure that these tools are accessible to everyone, not just tech-savvy individuals?
3. Trust and Data Reliability: There is also the question of trust. In an industry that has largely operated without formal transaction records or data collection, will livestock farmers and traders trust the information provided by AI-driven platforms? Will they rely on the system’s price forecasts and data, or will they continue to rely on traditional methods of negotiation and pricing?
4. Addressing Core Challenges: Nigeria’s livestock sector faces numerous challenges beyond access to market information—ranging from disease outbreaks, inadequate veterinary services, to the effects of climate change. While LMIS offers market-related solutions, does it address these core issues? For Nigeria’s livestock sector to truly thrive, AI systems like LMIS must be part of a broader, more comprehensive strategy that tackles all underlying problems.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution
There is no doubt that AI-powered solutions such as the LMIS have the potential to transform Nigeria’s livestock industry by improving access to markets, enhancing productivity, and increasing incomes. However, this potential will only be realized if the country addresses the fundamental challenges of infrastructure, digital literacy, trust, and core livestock management issues.
The introduction of AI into agriculture is a step forward, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Nigeria’s policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders must carefully evaluate whether the current environment is conducive to the success of such innovations and what additional support systems are necessary to make these tools work for the benefit of all livestock farmers.
While the LMIS is a promising start, it raises important questions about the future of AI in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Is the country truly ready for this level of technological integration, or are there more pressing needs that should be addressed first?
