RSU Don Urges Mechanised Agriculture for Food Security

The 127th Inaugural Lecture of Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, brought renewed attention to the critical role of agricultural mechanisation in addressing food insecurity in Nigeria, as Professor Silas Ovua Nkakini delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “Man-Machine Tillage: Pharos of Food Security for Agricultural Machinery Engineering.”

The event, held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Dr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Senate Building, drew members of the university community, scholars, engineers, students, and invited guests who gathered to reflect on the future of agricultural development and innovation.

In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Blessing Jaja, underscored the importance of strengthening the relationship between food production, food security, and agricultural engineering. He noted that engineers have a critical role to play in ensuring sustainable food production systems capable of meeting the growing demands of society.

According to him, the inaugural lecture series provides a platform for distinguished professors to share their academic contributions and practical insights with the wider community, while also highlighting the university’s commitment to research and development.

Delivering the lecture, Professor Nkakini, a Professor of Farm Power and Machinery Engineering in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, emphasised that food remains essential for sustaining life and maintaining societal stability. He stressed that achieving food security requires not only increased agricultural production but also the application of modern engineering techniques and appropriate machinery.

Central to his presentation was the concept of man-machine interaction, which he described as a key driver for improving agricultural productivity. According to him, effective collaboration between human expertise and mechanical systems can significantly enhance farming efficiency, reduce physical strain on farmers, and increase crop yield.

He explained that food security rests on several fundamental pillars, with food availability being one of the most important. Food, he said, must be consistently accessible and sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of the population.

Professor Nkakini also highlighted the importance of agricultural reconstruction and innovation, stressing that sustainable development in agriculture requires specialised approaches, research-driven solutions, and continuous technological advancement.

A significant portion of his lecture examined the current state of agricultural mechanisation in Nigeria, particularly in Rivers State. He revealed that findings from data collected across the state indicated that the level of mechanisation remains far below global standards.

The professor explained that one of the methods used to measure mechanisation involves comparing the number of tractors to the number of agricultural workers. According to international standards, a region is considered mechanised when there are approximately one or two workers per tractor. Anything significantly below that threshold, he noted, indicates a low level of mechanisation.

To better understand the situation, he said he conducted field visits across 23 local government areas to gather information from government agencies, agricultural personnel, and institutional records.

Professor Nkakini further stressed the importance of ergonomics and anthropometric data in the design of agricultural machinery. He explained that equipment used by farmers must be designed with the physical characteristics of operators in mind in order to ensure comfort, efficiency, and safety.

Poor ergonomic conditions, he noted, can lead to increased physical strain, higher heart rates, fatigue, and long-term health challenges for farmers. These factors, he said, ultimately reduce productivity and limit innovation.

The professor also criticised Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on imported agricultural machinery without sufficient consideration for local environmental conditions or the physical characteristics of local operators. Such reliance, he argued, often leads to inefficiencies and undermines efforts to develop locally appropriate technologies.

He called for greater investment in research, data-driven design, and the development of agricultural machines tailored specifically to Nigerian conditions.

As part of his research contributions, Professor Nkakini highlighted the development of a simple agricultural machine known as the Cassava Lifter, designed to improve efficiency in cassava harvesting. Based on basic engineering principles of leverage and velocity, the machine significantly reduces the physical labour required in traditional cassava harvesting methods.

He explained that the innovation was developed after extensive experimentation and testing, demonstrating improved operational efficiency compared to manual methods.

The professor also discussed predictive modelling techniques used in his research to analyse agricultural processes and resource management. These models, he said, involve the collection and statistical analysis of various parameters such as soil density, energy requirements, and water conditions in order to improve agricultural decision-making.

Despite technological advancements, Professor Nkakini observed that agricultural productivity in Nigeria remains hindered by poor operational structures, inadequate planning, and weak mechanisation strategies. He warned that without the integration of science, engineering knowledge, and appropriate machinery, the threat of food insecurity will continue to grow.

He therefore called on government and stakeholders to prioritise agricultural mechanisation and support innovative research, particularly the development of low-cost farm equipment that can be easily adopted by local farmers.

In addition, he recommended that engineering firms incorporate agricultural engineers into their workforce to strengthen collaboration between engineering practice and agricultural development.

During an interaction with journalists after the lecture, Professor Nkakini reiterated that mechanisation in Nigeria has progressed slowly due to weak government commitment, poor budget allocation, and inadequate planning. He noted that properly funded mechanisation programmes could significantly reduce food scarcity in the country.

He further explained that the commercialisation of locally developed agricultural technologies requires patience and sustained user acceptance, describing mechanisation as a long-term process that may take between 10 and 15 years to achieve meaningful results.

Citing an example from his experience, he revealed that a cassava planter he developed was rejected by some intended users who preferred traditional farming methods, illustrating the challenges associated with technology adoption in rural agriculture.

He also warned that the mere presence of tractors does not automatically translate to effective mechanisation, stressing that successful agricultural transformation requires proper planning and integrated use of equipment.

The professor further criticised the indiscriminate importation of agricultural implements that are not suited to Nigeria’s climate, soil conditions, or user characteristics, arguing that such practices often lead to inefficiencies.

He also emphasised the need for policy continuity, noting that the abandonment of agricultural initiatives such as the Songhai farm project in Rivers State has negatively affected long-term agricultural development.

Drawing from international experience, Professor Nkakini pointed to Bulgaria’s success in mechanised sunflower farming as an example of how consistent government support, strategic planning, and stakeholder collaboration can transform agricultural productivity.

In his closing remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Blessing Jaja, commended the inaugural lecturer for his scholarly contributions to agricultural engineering and for highlighting the importance of mechanisation in achieving food security.

He emphasised that the interaction between human expertise and machine technology remains essential for improving agricultural productivity and sustaining national food supply.

The high point of the ceremony was the formal decoration of Professor Nkakini as the 127th Inaugural Lecturer of Rivers State University, followed by group photographs with members of the university community.

Earlier, the Chairman of the University Lectures Committee, Professor Patrick Nwinyokpugi, had welcomed guests to the event, while the Acting Registrar, Dr. Idanyingi I. Daminabo, coordinated proceedings.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Professor G. B. Okon, who expressed appreciation to the university management, distinguished guests, and participants whose presence contributed to the success of the programme.