Abubakar Kyari Advocates Demand-Driven Extension Services

The Federal Government has called for a transition from supply-driven agricultural extension services to a demand-driven approach aimed at improving farm productivity. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, made this statement on Wednesday at the Africa Agribusiness Extension Summit.

He emphasized the necessity of understanding farmers' needs and market requirements to develop effective extension infrastructure. Kyari pointed out that agricultural extension services must be based on farmers' demands rather than merely providing information.

He warned against information overload and the risks posed by artificial intelligence, which can generate misleading agricultural data. To combat misinformation, Kyari proposed connecting farmers with verified and certified extension agents, ensuring they receive accurate information.

He stressed that building trust through consistent, genuine information is crucial for the integrity of the agricultural extension system. Furthermore, he noted that effective extension services require a functional market for agricultural produce.