First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has deepened its commitment to agricultural technology by launching an AI-powered advisory platform that delivers agricultural guidance in local languages. The initiative aims to bridge the information gap for smallholder farmers across Nigeria, many of whom lack access to digital agricultural resources in their native tongues.
AI Advisory Platform Details
According to the bank, the platform uses artificial intelligence to provide farmers with personalized advice on crop management, pest control, weather patterns, and market prices. The service is available in several Nigerian languages, including Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, making it accessible to a broader segment of the farming population. FCMB stated that the platform is designed to be used on basic mobile phones, ensuring that even farmers in remote areas with limited internet connectivity can benefit.
“This initiative is part of our broader strategy to support the agricultural sector through technology,” said an FCMB spokesperson. “By offering advisory services in local languages, we are removing one of the biggest barriers to adoption of digital farming tools.”
Impact on Smallholder Farmers
The AI advisory platform is expected to significantly improve productivity and profitability for smallholder farmers, who constitute the majority of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce. The bank noted that the platform can help farmers make informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and harvesting, leading to higher yields and reduced post-harvest losses. Additionally, the platform integrates financial services, allowing farmers to access credit, insurance, and savings products directly through the advisory interface.
FCMB reported that the platform has already been piloted in several states, including Ogun, Kaduna, and Enugu, with positive feedback from users. The bank plans to expand the service to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory by the end of the year.
Broader Agritech Strategy
This launch is part of FCMB’s larger agritech push, which includes partnerships with technology firms and agricultural cooperatives. The bank has invested in digital infrastructure to support the platform, including a team of agronomists and data scientists who continuously update the AI models. FCMB emphasized that the platform is free to use for all farmers, with the cost covered by the bank’s corporate social responsibility budget.
The bank also highlighted that the platform aligns with the Nigerian government’s agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to leverage technology to improve food security and reduce import dependence. By providing real-time, localized advice, FCMB aims to help farmers adapt to climate change and market fluctuations.
