Agricultural Technology Transfer in Nigeria: A Review of the Challenges and Prospects in the Contemporary Times

Abstract

This paper examines the challenges and prospects associated with the transfer of agricultural technology transfer in Nigeria. Also explored are the relevance of technology transfer and the key roles of its key players along its value chain in Nigeria. Constraints to technology transfer in Nigerian agriculture such as problems related to the nature of the technology (i.e., the nature of the technology, how it functions, and how well it can be utilized by uneducated farmers), the technological transfer system (the procedures used in the technology transfer), socio-economic attributes of farmers (farmers personal characteristics and conditions that predisposes him to adopt any technology) and local peculiarities and differences (the technologies not conforming to farmers local differences and peculiarities) were also examined in the paper. The paper identified emerging advanced technologies like precision agriculture, weather tracking technologies, satellite imaging, agricultural robots and radio frequency identification as the major prospects of technology transfer that are capable of increased productivity and marketability in Nigerian agriculture. Among other recommendations is for government to create an enabling environment for an increased private-sector participation in effective multiplication and dissemination of acceptable production technologies that are affordable to farmers.