• About
  • Our Work
  • Join
  • Partner
  • Media
EMAIL SUBSCRIBE
DONATE
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER

Sign-up for monthly updates on Winrock's work around the world.

Volunteer Blog

VOLUNTEER BLOG

Digital Revolution in Agriculture: A Lagos State Story [NIG483]

Assignment NIG483

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Eric M. Washington

In the heart of Lagos State, a new chapter in agricultural development is being written, and its protagonist? Data. In our digital age, it’s clear: mastering data is not just an added skill but a necessity. Moreover, who better understands this than the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA)? With an aim to modernize farming techniques and processes, they initiated an advanced training session to merge data analysis with agriculture.

Meet Damon Walker: The Data Wizard in the Farming World

Images of tractors, fields, and crops come to mind when one thinks of farming. But for Damon Walker, it’s all about numbers, patterns, and insights. Damon was handpicked for this transformative mission because of his unique blend of expertise in both data analysis and agriculture. His journey with LSADA shows how two seemingly distinct fields can beautifully intertwine.

Learning by Doing: A Dive into Data Tools

Instead of sticking to traditional methods, Damon believed in the power of practical learning. This was especially vital for the trainees, a passionate group of students and researchers. They dived deep into the world of Google Forms for data collection, swiftly moving to Google Sheets to understand complex charts and pivot tables. And even though their 7-day training was cut short by two days, the intensity and richness of learning remained uncompromised.

A Shift in Perspective: The Power of Digital

After the training, a clear shift was evident. A majority of the participants, about 78%, experienced an ‘aha!’ moment, realizing the potential of moving from paper-based methods to digital ones. Some of their thoughts include:

  • “The collaborative features of Google Drive will change how we work together.” ~ Farouk Uthman
  • “I never realized how effective Google Forms and KoboCollect could be until now.” ~ Owode Rasheedat
  • “My skills, especially in Google Sheets, have grown tremendously.” ~ Owagbemi Tunji

Charting the Path Ahead

With knowledge comes responsibility, and LSADA knew sustaining this momentum was crucial. They’ve outlined clear strategies:

  1. Peer Training: This aims to solidify the team’s digital skills over the next few months.
  2. Boosting Internet Access: Investing in reliable internet ensures a smooth digital transition.
  3. Advanced Training on Google Spreadsheets: To dive deeper into data analytics.
  4. Introducing KoboCollect: A step to further digitize data collection and minimize manual entries.

In wrapping up, under the guidance of Damon, LSADA’s training wasn’t just another event. It marked the beginning of a transformative journey. A journey where data-driven insights empower agriculture, painting a hopeful and progressive future for Lagos State. Winrock International is proud to be part of such transformative stories, where innovation and tradition unite to build a brighter tomorrow.

Posted in Africa, Nigeria, Volunteer Feedback, Volunteer of the Month, Winrock Staff | Tagged agriculture, agriculture education & training, agriculture education and training, community development, cultural experiences, Farmer-to-Farmer, giving back, goodwill, inspiration, international volunteer, knowledge transfer, Nigeria, people-to-people exchange, volunteer, volunteerism, Winrock, Winrock Volunteers
ABOUT FARMER-TO-FARMER WINROCK VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE

SUBSCRIBE TO POSTS

Loading

ARCHIVE

  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • December 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • April 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • November 2019
  • September 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011

CATEGORIES

  • AET
  • Africa
    • Ghana
    • Senegal
  • Asia
  • Bangladesh
  • Cuba
  • El Salvador
  • Ethiopia
  • Field Staff
  • Guinea
  • Kenya
  • Latin America
  • Mali
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Nigeria
  • Postharvest
  • Rural Livelihoods
  • Senegal
  • Spotlights
  • Volunteer Feedback
  • Volunteer of the Month
  • Winrock Staff
WinrockIntl
Tweets by @WinrockIntl
Follow @WinrockIntl

204 E 4th Street | North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114

ph +1 501 280 3000 | fx +1 501 280 3090

2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 700 | Arlington, Virginia 22202

ph +1 703 302 6500 | fx +1 703 302 6512

  • Contact
  • E-News Signup
  • Low Bandwidth
  • Code of Conduct
  • Privacy Statement & Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Anti-Trafficking
Copyright © 2015- Winrock International
DEV ENVIRONMENT