Geospatial Data Infrastructure (GDI) for Sharing Agro-Climatic Information to Improve Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria

Citation:
Ayanlade, A, Olawole MO, Ayanlade OS, Bolarin O.  2013.  Geospatial Data Infrastructure (GDI) for Sharing Agro-Climatic Information to Improve Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria. ”. In: Blessing M. Maumbe and Charalampos Z. Patrikakis(eds),E-Agriculture and Rural Development: Global Innovations and Future Prospects. , Hershey PA, USA

Abstract:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques are increasingly being used
in agricultural management to more efficiently support emergency agro-climatic information needed in
this century. Although several studies have been carried out on application of GIS and remote sensing
for agricultural and rural development in other parts of the world, little research has been done in subSaharan Africa in terms of developing geospatial data infrastructure to enhance agricultural practices
especially agricultural risk management in this age of climate change. This chapter therefore examines
technological aspects of geographic information sharing as a useful platform for sharing information
among agricultural agencies in Nigeria and to formulate relevant prescriptions for the future. The study
shows how an integrated GIS modeling system can allow agricultural producer as well as policy makers to know the impact of variation in climate from one place/region to another for better management,
productivity, and profitability. The study also develops agricultural GDI prototype for agricultural
emergency management. This chapter concludes by suggesting that developing country (i.e. African
countries) should embark on agricultural policy reform to enhance investment in ICT infrastructure in
agricultural production.