NEWS
Abia State Govt Continues Second Phase of Agriculture Dynamic Database, Mobilizes Farmers Across Ikwuano, Isiala Ngwa North, and Umuahia North LGAs
The Abia State Ministry of Agriculture has continued its statewide sensitization campaign on the second phase of the Abia Agriculture Dynamic Database (ADD) System, with recent engagements in Ikwuano, Isiala Ngwa North, and Umuahia North Local Government Areas. The initiative seeks to digitally enumerate farmers and strengthen agricultural productivity across the state.
Speaking during the outreach, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, FCIB, emphasized the critical importance of the database for sustainable agricultural development in Abia State. He noted that the Abia Agriculture Dynamic Database is “a comprehensive digital sub-website designed to enumerate farmers and enhance productivity across the state.”
Highlighting the significance of agriculture to Abia’s economy, Dr. Agbaeze said, “Over 70% of Abia’s population is engaged in Agriculture, underscoring the critical importance of reliable and verifiable data for effective planning and targeted government interventions.”
He added that Phase One of the exercise successfully captured over 53,000 farmers and mapped more than 85,000 hectares of farmland.
“His Excellency the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has graciously approved the continuation of the second phase to ensure that every genuine farmer in Abia State is captured in the database,” Dr. Agbaeze explained.
The Commissioner further stressed that the sensitization tour is designed to secure ownership and active participation from Local Government authorities.
“We want the Executive Mayors to take ownership of the process, identify the number of communities, wards, and clans within their jurisdictions, and ensure that only genuine farmers are enumerated. This will also enable us to identify commodities by communities and determine areas of comparative and competitive advantage,” he said.
In Ikwuano LGA, the Executive Mayor, Dr. Tony Nwaubani, lauded the initiative, describing it as a welcome development for local farmers.
“Data drives nations. Data helps us measure performance and make measurable impact. Ikwuano is known for cassava and cocoa cultivation, and we are prepared to fully participate in this exercise,” he affirmed.
Similarly, Chief Hon. Smart Ihuoma, Executive Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, welcomed the program and assured that both crop and livestock farmers in the area would actively participate in the enumeration process.
In Isiala Ngwa North LGA, the Executive Mayor, Hon. Innocent Uruakpa, highlighted that the majority of his constituents cultivate cassava, maize, ugu, and other crops, pledging full cooperation to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Also addressing the stakeholders, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Prince Chris Enwerenmadu, described the exercise as straightforward and beneficial to farmers, encouraging them to embrace the opportunity to be accurately captured in the database.
Providing technical insight, the Lead Consultant from Kitovu Technology, Mr. Nwachinemerem Emeka, explained that the primary goal of the tour is to mobilize farmers for enumeration and ensure proper identification of wards and clans to facilitate seamless data collection.
He emphasized that “modern agriculture must be data-driven to remain sustainable and appealing, especially to young people. Changing climate conditions, soil challenges, and evolving agricultural realities demand accurate data to match farmers with the right inputs, advisory services, and extension support.”
Mr. Emeka also noted that Nigeria’s agricultural produce often faces rejection in international markets due to improper input usage and lack of verification. He explained that the ADD System will enable proper monitoring, verification, extension services, and tailored advisory support, thereby improving productivity, compliance, and competitiveness.
The Abia Agriculture Dynamic Database System continues to serve as a cornerstone of the state government’s commitment to food security, economic transformation, and ensuring that government agricultural interventions reach genuine p
uroducers across Abia State.