Geospatial Data Infrastructure (GDI) for Sharing Agro-climatic Information to improve Agricultural productive, in Nigeria

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques are increasingly being used in agricultural management to more efficiently support emergency agro-climatic information needed in this century. Although several studies have been carried out on application of GIS and remote sensing for agricultural and rural development in other parts of the world, little research has been done in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of developing geospatial data infrastructure to enhance agricultural practices especially agricultural risk management in this age of climate change. This chapter therefore examines technological aspects of geographic information sharing as a useful platform for sharing information among agricultural agencies in Nigeria and to formulate relevant prescriptions for the future. The study shows how an integrated GIS modeling system can allow agricultural producer as well as policy makers to know the impact of variation in climate from one place/region to another for better management, productivity, and profitability. The study also develops agricultural GDI prototype for agricultural emergency management. This chapter concludes by suggesting that developing country (i.e. African countries) should embark on agricultural policy reform to enhance investment in ICT infrastructure in agricultural production.