Don urges FG to embrace digital mapping for food security

A University don has urged the Federal Government to embrace Digital Modelling and Mapping of Environmental resources to improve output of farmers towards achieving food security.

Prof. Olumuyiwa Jayeoba, a Professor of Environmental Modelling (Soil Science) at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), said this at an inaugural lecture held in Keffi on Thursday.

According to report, Jayeoba delivered the 31st Inaugural Lecture on: “Digital Modelling and Mapping of Environmental Resources: Ultra Strategic Method for Food and Nutrition Security in Nigeria”.

According to Jayeoba, food and nutrition are pressing global issues that affect lives of millions of people with regards to accessibility, safety and nutritional value, with Nigeria still not self-sufficient in terms of agriculture production.

He urged the Federal Government to embrace digital modelling and mapping of environmental resources as digital technology is capable of assisting local farmers increase their output, leading to food and nutrition security.

“When digital modelling and mapping is applied to environmental resources in the context of agriculture, the technology will help us to analyse and visualise the distribution, availability and characteristics of resources such as land, water and soil.

“By integrating these tools with agricultural practices, we can optimize resource allocation, predict yields, mitigate risks and make informed decisions for sustainable food production and self sufficiency,” he said.

He explained further that spite of the significant progress in agricultural production and distribution over the years, numerous challenges still persist.

According to him, the challenges include population growth, climate change, natural resource depletion and social inequities.

He added that these challenges necessitate innovative approaches to ensure sustainable and resilient food systems.

He said digital modelling and mapping of environmental resources had emerged as powerful tools for addressing the complex dynamics of food and nutrition security.

“These technologies leverage advanced data collection methods, analytical techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration to provide valuable insights into our ecosystems, agricultural landscapes and food production systems.

“By harnessing the power of remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), machine learning and participatory approaches, we can develop ultra-strategic methods to enhance food and nutrition security,” he said.

Jayeoba however pointed out that digital modelling and mapping technology and other technological innovations could only be utilised if a digital agricultural policy is in place.

He then called on the Federal Government to put in place such a policy so that Nigeria can use the innovations as strategic improvement for agricultural productivity and better the lives of farmers.

In his address, Prof. Suleiman Bala-Mohammed, Vice-Chancellor, NSUK, applauded the inaugural lecturer and the topic chosen which he described as strategic.

“The issue of food security and nutrition are issues that are very dear to us. It is my hope and expectations that the recommendations from this paper will help us in the agricultural sector, especially in the area of food and nutrition,” he said.

He also commended him for his immense contributions to the growth of the university, especially the establishment of the Nasarawa State University Farms.