Quick Glance
- Global experts discussed AI, innovation, and agricultural intelligence during an international webinar on sustainable farming.
- The event drew more than 100 participants from across the world, including researchers, academics, and development professionals.
- Experts shared lessons from Africa and Indonesia on food security, smart farming, and policy reforms.
- Federal Polytechnic Offa and GFSRD reaffirmed their commitment to research-driven agricultural transformation and global collaboration.
Agartala: The Global Forum for Sustainable Rural Development (GFSRD) and Federal Polytechnic Offa jointly organized an international webinar on May 16, 2026, focusing on intelligent agricultural ecosystems and sustainable transformation. Experts from Africa and Asia discussed AI-driven agriculture, food security, innovation, and policy strategies before a global audience of over 100 participants.
International Webinar Focuses on Smart Agriculture and Innovation
The Global Forum for Sustainable Rural Development (GFSRD) partnered with the Department of Agricultural Technology under the School of Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic Offa, to host an international webinar titled “Building Intelligent Agricultural Ecosystems: Harnessing Technology for Sustainable Agricultural Transformation.”
The webinar took place on May 16, 2026, and attracted wide international participation. More than 100 attendees joined the virtual event. Participants included academics, agricultural professionals, development practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and students from different parts of the world.
The event highlighted the growing importance of technology-driven agriculture and sustainable farming systems amid rising food security concerns and climate-related challenges.
Institutional Leaders Stress Global Collaboration
During the welcome address, Dean of the School of Science and Technology, Dr Olaosebikan Oyeleke, emphasized the importance of global cooperation in addressing agricultural challenges. He stated that technological innovation and knowledge exchange remain critical to sustainable agricultural growth.
Soon after, Dr Peter Egbele, Deputy Rector (Academics) of Federal Polytechnic Offa, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Rector Engr (Dr) Kamoru Kadiri. He reiterated the institution’s commitment to agricultural research, innovation, and education.
The speakers stressed that partnerships among institutions, researchers, and development organizations can accelerate agricultural modernization, especially in developing regions.
Experts Share Insights on AI and Food Security
One of the major highlights of the webinar came from Prof Manas Mohan Adhikary. He delivered a presentation titled “AI-Driven Smart Agricultural Systems for Sustainable Crop and Livestock Development: Lessons for Africa and Asia.”
Prof Adhikary explained how artificial intelligence can transform modern farming systems. He discussed how AI tools can improve crop monitoring, livestock management, agricultural forecasting, and resource optimization. He also highlighted opportunities for African and Asian nations to adopt smart agricultural technologies for sustainable production.
Another important presentation came from Dr Maria Christina Endarwati. Her session focused on “The Role of Innovation in Achieving Food Security in Africa: Lessons from Indonesia.”
She examined Indonesia’s agricultural reforms, innovation-driven policies, and food production systems. She also explained how African countries could adapt similar strategies to improve food security and agricultural resilience.
Agricultural Intelligence and Agenda 2063 Discussed
In another session, Mr Segun Philip Olupinla delivered a presentation on “From Data to Development: The Role of Agricultural Intelligence Ecosystem in Achieving Agenda 2063.”
He emphasized the role of agricultural data systems and digital transformation in policy development. According to him, evidence-based agricultural planning can strengthen productivity, support food systems, and accelerate Africa’s long-term development goals under Agenda 2063.
His presentation also focused on the growing importance of agricultural intelligence ecosystems in modern governance and rural development.
Key Event Details
| Event Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Webinar Title | Building Intelligent Agricultural Ecosystems |
| Date | May 16, 2026 |
| Organizers | GFSRD and Federal Polytechnic Offa |
| Participants | Over 100 global attendees |
| Main Focus | Sustainable agricultural transformation |
| Key Topics | AI in agriculture, food security, agricultural data systems |
| Mode | International Webinar |
Strong Call for Policy Support
The webinar concluded with reactions from the Head of Department of Agricultural Technology, Mrs Funmilayo Olabanji. She called for stronger agricultural policies that can improve food production in Nigeria and other developing economies.
Prof Jayanta Choudhury delivered the closing remarks. He also shared an overview of GFSRD’s global mission and ongoing initiatives related to sustainable rural development and international collaboration.
The organizers noted that the webinar represents a major milestone in the growing collaboration between Federal Polytechnic Offa and GFSRD.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to promoting research-driven agricultural solutions, international partnerships, innovation, and capacity building initiatives.
Senior Academics and Officials Attend the Webinar
Several prominent academic leaders and officials attended the programme. These included:
- Dr Salimonu Ishaq, Deputy Rector Administration, Federal Polytechnic Offa
- Dr M.O Akinola, Deputy Rector Academics, Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti
- Dr Olayiwola Abdullahi, HoD, Artificial Intelligence
- Mr Awe, HoD, Biological Sciences
The event was anchored by Babajide Emmanuel Mustapha from the Department of Agricultural Technology, alongside Dr Femi Olabanji, Country Representative of GFSRD.
News Analysis
The webinar reflected the growing global shift toward technology-enabled agriculture and data-driven farming systems. Discussions around AI, agricultural intelligence ecosystems, and innovation-based food security indicate that institutions now view digital agriculture as a long-term solution to production challenges.
The collaboration between GFSRD and Federal Polytechnic Offa also highlights the increasing importance of international academic partnerships in agricultural development. By bringing together experts from Africa and Asia, the webinar created a platform for cross-regional knowledge sharing.
Another key takeaway involved the emphasis on policy support. Speakers repeatedly stressed that technology alone cannot transform agriculture without supportive governance frameworks and investment in research, education, and rural capacity building.
The event also aligned with broader global goals related to sustainable development, food security, and climate-resilient agricultural systems.
FAQ
Q. What was the main focus of the international webinar?
The webinar focused on building intelligent agricultural ecosystems through technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable agricultural transformation.
Q. Who organized the webinar?
The Global Forum for Sustainable Rural Development (GFSRD) and the Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal Polytechnic Offa jointly organized the webinar.
Q. What topics did experts discuss during the webinar?
Experts discussed AI-driven agriculture, food security, agricultural innovation, data ecosystems, policy reforms, and sustainable rural development.