SmartSoil Project Ng

Merry Christmas to you from this side. Wishing you a prosperous new year as well.

The SmartSoil project team, led by Dr. John Oyedepo, participated in the annual farmers' forum organized by the Justice and Peace Movement of the Catholic Church, Oyo Diocese. The event brought together major stakeholders in the agro-sector in Oyo State, providing an opportunity for farmers to learn about the GeaGrow app.

Developed using artificial intelligence and machine learning, the GeaGrow app is a soil nutrient predicting tool designed by the SmartSoil project team. Sponsored by the European Commission under the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) projects, the SmartSoil project analyzed soil samples from six Southwest states and aggregated the results into an Android app.

Farmers expressed enthusiasm for the innovative solution and requested a detailed workshop on installing and using the app. The SmartSoil project team plans to conduct training sessions soon. Other team members present at the event included Mr. Enikanoselu Oluwafemi, Mr. Damilola Oluyege, Mrs. Akinsunmbo Sade, and Mr. Abraham Fadeyi.

The Osun State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security recently hosted a high-powered delegation from the SmartSoil Project. Led by Co-Project Leader Prof. Busari Mutiu, the team met with Permanent Secretary Mr. Olawale Maruf to introduce the innovative GeaGrow app.

The app aims to enhance food security in the state by providing farmers and extension agents with vital soil nutrient information. Mr. Maruf praised the project's efforts, acknowledging the GeaGrow app as a timely solution to the global food shortage crisis.

He assured the project of maximum support from the state government. The meeting concluded with an agreement to organize training for all extension agents in the state within the coming weeks. Key attendees included Dr. Oyedepo John (GIS expert), Mr. Enikanoselu Oluwafemi (Communication Officer), and other stakeholders.
ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Emma Femi Olusegun Folorunso International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The SmartSoil Project team, led by Prof. Busari Mutiu, had a productive meeting with agro-stakeholders in Ekiti State. The team visited the Ekiti Agricultural Development Programme (EKADEP) headquarters to introduce the GeaGrow app, a soil nutrient predictive tool developed by the project.

The meeting aimed to present the app to major agro-stakeholders in the state. The team, which included Dr. Oyedepo John (GIS expert), Mr. Enikanoselu Oluwafemi (Communication Officer), and others, was received by the Acting Programme Manager (EKADEP), Mr. Adegbola Bamidele.

The team lead, Prof. Busari Mutiu, shared the functionalities of the GeaGrow app, highlighting its potential to reduce food security challenges in the state. The meeting attendees expressed excitement about the innovation, acknowledging its timeliness.

The Acting Programme Manager appreciated the project's supervisors, Icipe, and the European Union for funding the project. He pledged the program's support to disseminate the app to all farmers in the state. Other notable attendees included Chief Ojo Samuel (Director, Agric Extension Services) and Mr. Oni Sunday (Zonal Director, Zone 3).
ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Olusegun Folorunso Emma Femi Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta - FUNAAB, Nigeria IAR & T Ibadan International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The SmartSoil Project team made a successful advocacy visit to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Ondo State. Led by Co-Project Leader Prof. Busari Mutiu, the team introduced the SmartSoil Project and presented the GeaGrow app to Honorable Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon Olayato Aribo, and his cabinet members.

The Commissioner was impressed with the innovation and thanked the European Union for sponsoring the project. He pledged to support the adoption of the app by all agro-stakeholders in the state. The Permanent Secretary, Mrs Foluke Tunde Daramola, also expressed enthusiasm about the app's potential to address food security challenges in the state.

The visit was a huge success, with the Programme Manager of ODSADP, Mr Ogunleye Babajide, inviting the project team to train extension agents in the state on using the app. The state actors of the ministry of agriculture expressed willingness to market the tool to all farmers in the state.

Ondo State has been proactive in promoting agriculture and food security. Recently, the state government distributed 1,200 tonnes of palliative grains to livestock farmers.Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has also emphasized the importance of agriculture in the state's development agenda.
Olusegun Folorunso ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta - FUNAAB, Nigeria SmartSoil Project Ng Emma Femi

SmartSoil Project Shines at the 3rd African Conference on Precision Agriculture

The SmartSoil Project team made a significant impact at the 3rd African Conference on Precision Agriculture (AfCPA) held at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).

Dr. Olutoberu Samson, the project's R-statistician, presented a well-received paper titled "Land suitability prediction for maize production in Southwest Nigeria using geographic information systems and most-limiting soil fertility factors.

The publication, co-authored by experts from the project team, highlighted the importance of using geographic information systems (GIS) to predict soil nutrient levels for maize production.

The presentation received commendation from the session chairman and audience members. Notably, Dr. Oyedepo, the GIS expert from the SmartSoil Project, served as the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the conference.

The AfCPA conference, aimed at promoting precision agriculture in Africa, attracted esteemed academics and professionals from FUNAAB and other universities.

The SmartSoil Project is making great strides in achieving its goal of improving sustainable soil management for agricultural production in the Southwest. Recently, the team trained 40 agro-experts from the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture on how to use the GeaGrow app.

The training, led by Project Leader Prof. Folorunso Olusegun, was well-received by participants, including Program Manager LSADA, Mr. Alade Alihu. The experts pledged to share their newfound knowledge with extension agents across the state in the coming weeks.

This initiative is part of the SmartSoil Project's efforts to promote digital agriculture and sustainable soil management practices in the region. By empowering agro-experts with the knowledge and tools to optimize soil fertility, the project aims to boost agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods for farmers in the Southwest.
ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Emma Femi Olusegun Folorunso SmartSoil Project Ng International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) IAR & T Ibadan Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta - FUNAAB, Nigeria

The SmartSoil Project team, led by Prof. Olusegun Folorunso and Prof. Mutiu Busari, recently visited the Lagos State Agricultural Authority (LSADA) to introduce the innovative GeaGrow App!

This cutting-edge soil nutrient predicting tool uses machine learning and AI to make soil testing easier and more efficient for farmers, researchers, and policymakers.

The team, which included Mr. Enikanoselu Oluwafemi (Project Communication Officer), Mr. Azeez Sodeeq (Field Officer 1), and Mr. Hammed Sharafadeen (Field Officer 2), shared insights on how the app was developed using primary soil samples collected from the six Southwest states, which were analyzed and inputted into the app's predictive technology.

Dr. Alade Alihu, Head of LSADA, expressed enthusiasm for the innovation and invited the SmartSoil Project team to conduct a training session for major stakeholders on the GeaGrow app usage.

We're excited about this new partnership and look forward to fostering collaboration between the two teams! Special thanks to our donors (European Union, Gearbox, Agropolis) and partner agencies (Icipe, AGriDi) for their support.
Olusegun Folorunso ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta - FUNAAB, Nigeria Emma Femi

SMARTSOIL PROJECT PRESENTS GEAGROW APP AT THE 2-DAY STAKEHOLDERS SENSITIZATION WORKSHOP ON THE INTRODUCTION OF SOIL HEALTH CARD TO THE NIGERIAN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM – SOUTHERN REGION HELD AT GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL, IBADAN

Prof. Busari Mutiu, Co-Project Leader, SmartSoil Project recently presented the GeaGrow app at a sensitization workshop, generating excitement among stakeholders. The workshop aimed to introduce the National Soil Health Card to Nigeria's agricultural system, organized by the Department of Land and Climate Management Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with GIZ and ACReSAL.

The presentation was met with commendation from all quarters, acknowledging the project's timely innovation. Professor Busari shared the impressive journey of the SmartSoil project team, who traveled across six Southwest states collecting soil samples, analyzing them in labs, and leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence to create the innovative GeaGrow App.This cutting-edge app can predict soil nutrients for any location in the Southwest, revolutionizing agricultural productivity.

The project's goal is to improve sustainable soil management for agricultural production in the Southwest, Nigeria, by utilizing the latest technologies and innovations in soil and computer science.
The SmartSoil project aims to provide farmers with easy access to estimated soil fertility information, boosting productivity and promoting smart agriculture practices.

The project's progress has sparked interest from key stakeholders, including Mr. Oshadiya Olanipekun, Director of the Department of Land and Climate Management Services, who expressed enthusiasm for potential collaboration on developing a digital national soil health card. This collaboration could further enhance the impact of the SmartSoil project.

Key Features of the GeaGrow App:
- Soil Nutrient Prediction: Accurately predicts soil nutrients for any location in the Southwest.
- Machine Learning and AI: Employs advanced technologies for soil analysis.
- Digital Soil Mapping: Provides valuable insights for optimal agricultural yield and sustainable soil biodiversity management.

The SmartSoil project is part of the AGriDI program, sponsored by the European Union, and is one of the 10 projects funded under the program. Its success has the potential to transform agricultural practices in Nigeria and beyond.

The workshop was a significant gathering of key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including Honorable Commissioners of Agriculture from the Southern region, chairmen of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), and coordinators from the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organization of Nigeria (SWOFON).

Also in attendance were esteemed representatives from agricultural expert groups, government institutions, private sector organizations, research institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and farmers.

Key Attendees from the SmartSoil Project: Mr. Enikanoselu Oluwafemi, Project Communication Officer, Mr. Hammed Sharafadeen, Field Officer 1 and Mr. Richard Abiola,
This diverse gathering of stakeholders and experts aimed to facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning to drive growth and development in Nigeria's agricultural sector. By bringing together such a wide range of perspectives and expertise, the workshop laid the groundwork for innovative solutions and meaningful progress in the industry.
Emma Femi Olusegun Folorunso Femi Adekoya ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Ugwunna Charles Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta - FUNAAB, Nigeria International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Funaab radio IAR & T Ibadan

The SmartSoil project is making great strides in Southwest Nigeria, providing a digital soil testing tool to farmers, researchers, and policymakers. Led by Prof. Folorunso Olusegun, the team has been working tirelessly for two years to achieve its objectives.

Recently, they hosted Dr. Michael Kidoido, ICIPE's Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, for a three-day visit to assess the project's progress.
During his visit, Dr. Kidoido was impressed with the project's milestones, including the development of the GeaGrow app, which is now available on the Play Store.

The app has been deployed to over 200 farmers, 30 extension agents, and more than 100 researchers have been trained on Digital Soil Mapping. The project has also created a repository for app users and is working on additional functionalities, such as linking users to the nearest fertilizer vendor.

The SmartSoil team has engaged with policymakers in Ogun and Oyo States, promoting the app as a tool to address food insecurity. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kehinde Olusola, assured Dr. Kidoido of the university's full support in disseminating the app to every farmer in the Southwest region.

Dr. Kidoido's visit also included stops at Citi-veggies Limited, a private agro company, and Olodo Community, where farmers expressed satisfaction with the GeaGrow app's performance. Extension Agent Amina Omolabake praised the project's intervention, encouraging farmers to continue using the app for soil testing.

Overall, the SmartSoil project is on track to achieving its goals, with Dr. Kidoido commending the team's efforts and expressing his impressment with the project's progress.

Geagrow: SmartSoil Project Enhances Accuracy through Validation Exercise

The SmartSoil Project team is committed to delivering precise results to farmers, researchers, young entrepreneurs, and policymakers through the Geagrow App. To ensure the app's accuracy and reliability, we have initiated a comprehensive validation exercise across the six states of the Southwest.

Led by Prof. Busari, our validation team has successfully covered numerous towns in Osun, Ogun, and Oyo states, with more locations scheduled for the coming weeks. This rigorous process ensures that the Geagrow App provides trustworthy insights, empowering users to make informed decisions.

Our dedication to quality and accuracy drives this validation effort, guaranteeing that the Geagrow App remains a valuable resource for:

- Farmers: Optimizing crop yields and soil management
- Researchers: Accessing reliable data for studies and projects
- Young entrepreneurs: Developing innovative agricultural solutions
- Policymakers: Informing data-driven decisions for sustainable development

Stay tuned to our progress as we continue to refine the Geagrow App, ensuring it remains a trusted tool for the Southwest region.
ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Olusegun Folorunso Emma Femi Femi Adekoya Funaab radio

Introducing the Geagrow App: Revolutionizing Soil Nutrient Management in the Southwest!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Geagrow App, a groundbreaking tool designed to help farmers and researchers determine soil nutrient status with ease and accuracy. Developed as part of the SmartSoil Project, this innovative app addresses pressing food security challenges in the region.

After rigorous testing and validation, the Geagrow App has received approval from Google and is now available on the Play Store! With its user-friendly interface, the app provides:

- Real-time soil nutrient test results (dependent on network connection)
- Personalized advice on improving soil nutrient levels
- Enhanced decision-making for optimal crop yields

Download the Geagrow App now: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.randomlee.gea_grow_mobile

Watch our video tutorial to get started:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zk2Ok1nsEsImsh3aiOS2JviplxbAMKI8/view?usp=drivesdk

We look forward to your feedback and reviews! Join the Geagrow community today and transform soil management in the Southwest!
ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Femi Adekoya Emma Femi International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Olusegun Folorunso FarmersMarket IAR & T Ibadan