The Ibom Innovation Network has launched a major artificial intelligence-driven agricultural initiative aimed at reducing food losses, improving productivity and modernising farming systems across Nigeria.

The initiative, known as Project Transforming Agriculture Through Artificial Intelligence (Project TAT AI), was unveiled during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Uyo.

Smart Technologies Target Major Agricultural Losses

The project seeks to address some of Nigeria’s biggest agricultural challenges through the deployment of robotic harvesting systems, Internet of Things-enabled storage facilities, atmospheric intelligence tools and climate-smart technologies.

Speaking during the launch, President of the Ibom Innovation Network, Hanson Johnson, said the country can no longer depend on outdated farming systems that expose producers to labour shortages, climate shocks and severe post-harvest losses.

“We are moving beyond the era of farming by chance,” Johnson said.

“By integrating AI with mechanical engineering, we are providing farmers with the tools to predict, adapt and scale. This is not simply about introducing sophisticated technology into agriculture. It is about building economic resilience for farmers and securing the future of food production in this country.”

Focus On Harvest Labour And Post-Harvest Losses

According to Johnson, the initiative has identified two major weaknesses within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain: labour shortages during harvest periods and extensive post-harvest losses caused by inadequate storage and transport systems.

He explained that many farmers lose large portions of their produce before products reach consumers due to poor preservation infrastructure and inefficient supply chains.

The initiative’s climate-controlled storage systems and IoT-enabled monitoring technologies are designed to improve storage efficiency and reduce food waste across agricultural operations.

“Lab-To-Land” Deployment Strategy

Unlike several previous agriculture technology initiatives that struggled to scale commercially, Project TAT AI will operate using what organisers describe as a “Lab-to-Land” implementation model focused on real-world farm deployment.

Johnson said every innovation developed under the initiative will be tested directly on farms before wider expansion.

“We are deliberately breaking the cycle where brilliant ideas remain trapped inside laboratories and conference papers,” he noted.

Universities And Engineers Join Partnership

The project is being implemented through partnerships involving the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State University, Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Technology Incubation Centre Uyo.

Director of the TETFund Centre for Computational Intelligence at the University of Uyo, Uduak Asuquo, said artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important to modern food security systems.

According to Asuquo, technologies such as predictive analytics, atmospheric intelligence and soil heat mapping can significantly improve real-time decision-making for farmers.

Supporting Local Innovation And Commercialisation

Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Akwa Ibom Chapter, Bassey Asanga, described the project as a practical demonstration of how engineering and innovation can address food security and economic challenges.

Meanwhile, Head of Mechanical Engineering at Akwa Ibom State University, Bassey Nkanang, stressed the importance of integrating local farming knowledge into technology development.

Manager of the Technology Incubation Centre Uyo, Iniobong Elshaddai, added that the initiative would help protect and commercialise innovations developed by young Nigerian inventors.

Innovations To Be Showcased At Tech Week

The first technologies developed under Project TAT AI are expected to be showcased during Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2026 at the Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort later this year.

Stakeholders say the initiative reflects growing momentum behind AI-driven agriculture and climate-smart farming systems as African countries seek solutions to rising food insecurity, labour shortages and agricultural inefficiencies.