Farm Innovation Launches VetWiz 2.0 For Disease Surveillance

Farm Innovation Nigeria Ltd has officially launched VetWiz 2.0, an upgraded digital platform for animal disease diagnosis and real-time surveillance across Nigeria.

The enhanced platform seeks to close critical data gaps in animal health, boost veterinary response, and strengthen public health systems, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Farm Innovation’s Chief Executive Officer, Chinwe Owhorji, described VetWiz 2.0 as a transformative tool that enables more intelligent, predictive disease surveillance.

“From our engagements with stakeholders like NVRI and VCN, we saw the need to build a platform supporting human and animal health workers. With this relaunch, we’re embedding AI to make disease monitoring more intelligent and responsive,” Owhorji said.

Initially developed for community animal health workers, VetWiz has evolved into a more robust system featuring AI-powered tracking, data analytics, and real-time outbreak monitoring.

The app allows field officers to diagnose symptoms, receive treatment recommendations, escalate complex cases to licensed veterinarians, and connect with nearby veterinary shops for drugs and vaccines.

“With VetWiz 2.0, we are placing ourselves at the heart of digital agriculture and health innovation—not just to improve animal care but to strengthen food security and rural livelihoods across Africa,” Owhorji added.

She emphasised that the company’s work aligns with the global One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

“Sustainable food systems and public health cannot be achieved by one actor alone. That’s why we’re actively seeking partnerships across civil society, government, and the private sector,” she said.

Founded in 2019, Farm Innovation is known for its digital-first approach to empowering smallholder farmers and rural communities. The company has collaborated with partners like the Mastercard Foundation, PropCom, and MyCaFe to deliver technology-driven agricultural and livestock health solutions.

Chief Technology Officer Olawale Arowolo described VetWiz 2.0 as a significant advancement in the use of AI in veterinary care.

“We’re leveraging technology to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and public health response,” Arowolo said.

He noted that the platform transmits real-time data to agencies like the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), supporting disease surveillance, laboratory analysis, and evidence-based policymaking.

“Our goal is to close gaps in disease trend tracking. This will not only improve treatment but also inform vaccine development and broader public health strategies,” he added.

The launch also featured a demo of Farm Innovation’s flagship products. One is FarmAid, a digital extension service platform that combines mobile and web applications with live agronomist support through a national call centre.

“Technology won’t replace veterinary professionals—it’s here to support them, offer smarter insights, and improve outcomes for farmers and livestock,” Arowolo said.

Delivering the keynote, the Head of Department/Chief Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Samuel A. Anzaku, represented by Dr Olasoju Taiwo, highlighted the critical role of digital tools in livestock health.

Delivering the keynote address, Head of Department and Chief Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Samuel A. Anzaku, represented by Dr. Olasoju Taiwo, highlighted the vital role of digital tools in improving livestock health.

“Livestock is the backbone of our economy. Any threat to animal health impacts food security and livelihoods. VetWiz 2.0, as a web-based AI tool, is both timely and essential,” he said.

Dr Taiwo added that the platform promotes digital service delivery and improves data collection, aligning with Nigeria’s civil service reform and innovation agenda.

“VetWiz, as a private-sector innovation, shares the Civil Service’s vision of using technology to enhance public health outcomes. There is clear synergy,” he stated.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Gbenga Ariyo, Program Lead at Ikore International—which provided technical support for VetWiz—said the platform was designed with Nigeria’s rural realities in mind.

“We used the Veterinary Council’s curriculum for community animal health workers to guide development. The tool empowers them to report cases from remote areas, where most livestock are located and data is often lacking,” Ariyo explained.

He added that the platform connects farmers to local animal health workers and veterinary drug vendors, who can list their products and improve access to essential supplies.

“Although the platform is free, we have a long-term sustainability plan. Future improvements will be driven by user feedback,” he said.

Farm Innovation plans to onboard key stakeholders—including veterinary councils, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions—to expand VetWiz 2.0’s capabilities and reach.