Farouk Gumel- The future of work in Agri-Food Nigeria
                     Viewpoint: The 
Future of Work in 
Agri-Food
Farouk Gumel, Nigeria
 Farouk Gumel, Nigeria- In this 
technology driven world, we are 
gradually seeing every aspect of human 
life being influenced by technology. This 
has changed the way we see and do 
things. 
The agricultural sector is not any 
different. On a daily basis, we learn of 
new technologies that support farming, 
storage, processing, logistics and sales. 
This is very exciting for the sector which, 
at least in Africa, has been very slow to 
modernise. The question however is how 
can we transition to ensure we fully 
harness the benefits of modern 
agricultural practices while managing its 
inherent risks?
State of the art technology and science-based farming 
practices undoubtedly bring higher yields, more efficient 
The production, better quality produce and enhanced 
Technological profitability.
Advancement 
 In developed and/or sparsely populated nations, farming 
in Farming machinery is preferred as they are more efficient and 
cheaper. The automation of planting, irrigation and 
harvesting has helped most developed nations sustain 
their agricultural sector. In some places, the technology 
is complemented with migrant farmers. 
However, as developed and low population nations celebrate the positive 
contributions of technology in agriculture, many commentators overlook the 2 
billion people, most of whom are in developing nations, who depend on the 
traditional farming practices for their livelihoods. This is 25% of the world 
population! 
It is safe to say that today, the backbone of African farming remains the rural 
farmer ably assisted by his farm animal. Yes, it is backbreaking work, but in 
many instances, it is the only profession they know. This ecosystem will simply 
be crumpled with immediate and rapid automation. A single tractor, for 
example, is a direct competitor to maybe 7 rural african farmers when it comes 
to ploughing, planting and harvesting.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new sense of urgency for increased 
application of technology in our day to day activities. This push for a human-less AI-
driven experience should be well thought through…especially as it relates to Africa. 
To be clear, it is not a case of “Man Versus Metal” where the winner takes it all. 
Without technology, africa’s agricultural sector and its output will be inefficient, 
uncompetitive, expensive and inadequate to even meet the needs of its growing 
population. At the sametime, without the traditional farmer, Africa's rural economy 
will collapse leading to higher unemployment and eventual insecurity.
What There is a need for policy makers to formulate a plan that will integrate the traditional farmer into modern 
can be agriculture. The transition can be managed but the thinking needs so start now. This must be coupled with 
done? issues around climate change and desertification which is also adversely impacting Africa’s food security.
Farouk Gumel, Executive Director of the TGI Group, says his organisation has already 
implemented strategies to ensure there is a proper balance between man versus 
machines when it comes to Agriculture. Although TGI’s factories use the most 
modern and up to date technology, their supply chain remains in the rural economy 
working with outgrower farmers. But according to Farouk Gumel, TGI’s corporate 
sustainability strategy goes beyond TGI’s outgrower programs and includes programs 
such as “Farmer Business Schools” where they support farmers and their families to 
diversify their income sources. Furthermore, TGI has been recruiting and training 
some of these farmers into their factories. These types of programs, Gumel says, will 
hopefully safeguard livelihoods in Nigeria’s rural economy during the inevitable 
transition from traditional to modern agriculture.
THANK YOU!!