The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has successfully concluded a five-day intensive training program on Agricultural Monitoring from Space, aimed at equipping stakeholders with the technical know-how to harness space technology for sustainable agricultural development.
Addressing participants at the closing ceremony, the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, encouraged the 32 trainees to apply, share, and adapt the knowledge gained to address Nigeria’s agricultural challenges.
“We expect you to apply the knowledge you’ve acquired, share it with your colleagues and communities, and domesticate it to address the unique challenges facing our agricultural sector,” he stated.
The training, which drew participants from diverse backgrounds and countries, focused on key thematic areas such as crop yield forecasting, drought monitoring, and geospatial capacity building. It forms part of NASRDA’s broader efforts to enhance food security and improve agricultural productivity through space-enabled tools.
Dr. Godstime James, Director, Strategic Space Applications, NASRDA, stressed the importance of integrating space technology into national development strategies, particularly in agriculture.
Participants who completed the program received certificates, with special recognition given to the best-performing participant. In a symbolic gesture, the facilitators awarded a Netherlands cheese gift, while Dr. Adepoju presented a ₦20,000 cash prize to further encourage innovation and excellence in space-aided agricultural monitoring.
The training is expected to yield long-term benefits for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including data-driven decision-making, improved crop management, and sustainable practices.
