Agricultural Information Management and Knowledge Systems in Nigerian States

This study examines agricultural information management systems and knowledge infrastructure in Nigerian states, assessing the quality, accessibility, and utility of agricultural information for farmer decision-making and policy planning. Effective agricultural information systems that collect, analyse, and disseminate timely data on production, prices, weather, and pest outbreaks are foundational to informed agricultural management at all levels from farm to policy. This study uses a systems analysis methodology, assessing agricultural information infrastructure in four states: Lagos, Kano, Rivers, and Plateau. Information system dimensions reviewed include data collection systems, storage and management infrastructure, dissemination channels, and user access quality. Data are collected through interviews with 40 information system managers in ADPs, NAERLS, NBS, and CBN agricultural divisions, alongside surveys of 120 farmers on information access. Findings reveal significant variation in information system quality across states, with Lagos demonstrating the most developed digital agricultural information infrastructure. National-level agricultural statistics suffer from timeliness and disaggregation limitations that reduce their utility for farm-level planning. Price information dissemination is the most developed information service, while early warning systems for pests and weather are the weakest. The study concludes that agricultural information management in Nigeria requires both institutional strengthening and digital infrastructure investment. It recommends a national agricultural information system standard with minimum service level requirements.

Keywords: agricultural information systems, knowledge management, Nigeria, extension services, agricultural data.