Role of Data Analysis in Agriculture.

Mr Omotosho Oladele Gabriel, a Data Analyst in Agriculture, discussed the role of data analysis in agriculture. 

“There’s more to agriculture than just planting and harvesting”, this was the conviction of Mr Omotosho Oladele Gabriel, our guest on The African Farmers Stories Interview Series Community Platform. 

This thought alone triggered him to seek more knowledge in the agricultural sector, being a graduate of Crop and Environment Protection at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho.

As a data analyst in the agricultural sector with about two (2) years experience, having worked on business cases across various industries.

Data analysis is the transformation of information,analyzing or carrying out an investigation to aid decision making defined Mr Omotosho

The role of data analysis is important, and cannot be overemphasized

Digital Agriculture using data analysis has a huge potential to enhance economic benefits such as:

Increase in agricultural productivity,

Cost efficiency and market opportunities,

Enhance farmers livelihood,

Informed decision-making, and

Environmental benefits through optimized use of natural resources.

He further mentioned data analysis and its application cuts across:

  • Predictive Analysis and Precision Farming- with accurate and large data, analysis can help provide accurate predictions of crop yields even before planting based on historical data. It will also help to give on-farm real-time analysis like plant population, irrigation operations, pest control methods, weather conditions e.t.c
  • Agricultural Automation- It will encourage the development in technology and integrated automated systems, for example irrigation equipment like sprinklers, water pumps, and drips, work with real-time data analysis.

The utilization of drones for on-farm optimization as well as the use of robots, as some parts of China already use robots for their farm activities and operations.

  • Pest and Disease Management- leveraging on drone technology , data analysis helps to optimize pest management as farmers can monitor off site irregular crop degradation, pest attack, dead soil, e.t.c

 to mention a few

He said that “data analysts” are faced with the challenge of getting accurate collection of data, as this is a major challenge in the industry, as a result to curb that, he urges farmers to always keep good track of their inventory & proper farm management as a simple way of getting accurate data.

It is important to be careful as accurate data is needed to ensure correct, and productive decision making along with the optimization use of agricultural inputs.

It is time for the inclusion of youths in data analytics to improve agriculture making the process sustainable enabling the economy, 

Mr Omotosho encourages youths to harness the diverse opportunities in agriculture for business productivity and sustainability.

“Youths should avoid isolation-always seek to improve their knowledge in the industry and be open to learning and opportunities”, He advised.

Yes, Agriculture can be sexy when integrated with technology for improved productivity and sustainability.

Youths! Hop on the train now, agriculture has a lot of potentials awaiting to be harnessed by You!

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