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  Agriculture is a vital sector in Nigeria, supporting the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. However, unpredictable weather patterns and volatile market prices pose significant challenges, often leading to crop losses and reduced incomes. SMS alerts have emerged as a practical solution, delivering real-time weather forecasts and market price updates directly to farmers’ mobile phones. These alerts empower farmers to make informed decisions, enhancing productivity and profitability. This article explores the role of SMS alerts in Nigerian agriculture, focusing on their application for weather updates, market price information, and the challenges and prospects of these services.
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Weather Alerts via SMS

Weather significantly influences agricultural activities, from planting to harvesting. In Nigeria, climate change has intensified weather unpredictability, increasing the risk of crop losses due to floods, droughts, or untimely rains. SMS weather alerts provide farmers with localised, timely forecasts, enabling them to plan effectively and reduce risks. A prominent example is the Iska weather service, launched by Ignitia in partnership with Nuru International and 9mobile in Nigeria. Since 2018, Iska has delivered daily, weekly, and monthly weather forecasts via SMS to approximately 2,000 farmers in northern Adamawa. These forecasts, with an accuracy of 84%, guide farmers on optimal times for planting, fertilising, and harvesting. A farmer in Adamawa noted, “When they say it will likely rain today and tomorrow, it used to rain here. It will give us clear advice on when to plant, when not to plant, when to apply fertiliser, when not to apply fertiliser”. This precision has led to reduced crop losses and improved yields. Studies from neighbouring countries reinforce these benefits. In Ghana, a 2021 study found that 92% of farmers using Ignitia’s SMS weather alerts experienced yield increases, and 91% reported higher incomes. Similarly, a pilot in Benin showed that SMS weather forecasts improved labour productivity for maize and cotton farmers. These findings suggest that SMS weather alerts can significantly enhance agricultural outcomes in Nigeria.

Market Price Alerts via SMS

Market price volatility is a major challenge for Nigerian farmers, who often rely on middlemen and lack access to real-time price information. SMS market price alerts can empower farmers to sell their produce at optimal times and locations, maximising profits and reducing exploitation. Though current, specific SMS services for market prices in Nigeria are less documented, historical initiatives provide insight. Nokia Life, launched in Nigeria in 2010, offered SMS-based updates on crop prices, weather, and farming tips, reaching millions by 2012.
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Although its current status is unclear, Nokia Life demonstrated the potential of SMS to deliver market price information. Farmers could use such data to negotiate better prices or choose markets with higher demand, reducing reliance on intermediaries. Evidence from other regions supports this approach. In India, a study by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab found that farmers receiving SMS market price alerts were more likely to sell in higher-paying markets, even if farther away. In Nigeria, where middlemen often dominate agricultural marketing, similar services could enhance farmers’ bargaining power and income.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite their benefits, SMS alert services face challenges in Nigeria. Low literacy rates among some farmers can limit their ability to interpret text messages, though younger household members often assist. Limited network coverage in rural areas and subscription costs (such as Iska’s N10 daily or N100 monthly fees) may also hinder adoption. The Nigerian government’s National Broadband Plan aims to improve rural connectivity, which could enhance SMS service reach. Partnerships between the government, private companies, and NGOs are crucial for scaling these services. For instance, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has supported agricultural extension services, including SMS-based initiatives, though sustained efforts are needed. The ICTworks article notes that SMS market price services have faced adoption challenges due to complexity and a lack of two-way communication, suggesting a need for user-friendly designs and local mediators. Looking forward, Nigeria’s high mobile penetration rate (over 90% in 2023) offers a strong foundation for expanding SMS services. Innovations like automated voice messaging for illiterate farmers and integration with mobile apps could further enhance accessibility. With increased investment and policy support, SMS alerts can become a cornerstone of agricultural empowerment in Nigeria.
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Conclusion

SMS alerts for weather and market price updates are transforming Nigerian agriculture by providing farmers with critical information to navigate unpredictable conditions. Services like Iska demonstrate the tangible benefits of weather alerts, while past initiatives like Nokia Life highlight the potential for market price updates. Addressing challenges such as literacy, connectivity, and cost will be key to scaling these services. As Nigeria’s digital infrastructure grows, SMS alerts can play a pivotal role in enhancing farmers’ resilience, productivity, and economic well-being.
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References

  1. Farmer Climate Adaptation Through Better Weather Information 
  2. Climate Intelligence and Forecasting Solutions 
  3. Empowering Farmers Through SMS 
  4. Weather Information and Agricultural Outcomes in Benin 
  5. Improving Price Negotiations and Profits via SMS 
  6. Agricultural Marketing in Nigeria: Trends and Insights
  7. 7 Reasons Farmers Do Not Use SMS Market Price Messages 
  8. National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 
  9. Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
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This article was first published on 3rd July 2025
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preciousgift-nwaeze

Preciousgift is an exceptionally gifted Nigerian writer with a robust theological background and an unwavering passion for gospel music. Alongside crafting uplifting gospel content, he demonstrates expertise in writing about education, communication, and technology, showcasing his remarkable versatility across various subjects.

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