Farmers face the challenge of increasing food production by 70 percent to sustain a global population projected to reach 9.1 billion by 2050, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This need arises as one-third of the Earth’s soil is already degraded, with a football field’s worth of soil eroded every five seconds.
Amid these challenges and the climate crisis’s impact on agricultural supply chains, advances in AI and other technologies are becoming crucial for meeting future demands.
Olivier Kamana, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, emphasized at the Science and Partnerships for Agriculture Conference (SPAC) 2024 in Kigali that leveraging modern ‘AgriTech’— the integration of digital tools and technology in farming—is essential for helping farmers adapt to climate challenges and enhancing global food security.
However, Kamana pointed out that many African economies continue to struggle with persistent yield gaps, low technology adoption, limited agricultural manufacturing and value addition, inadequate infrastructure for trade within and beyond the continent, and geopolitical issues.
Rwanda is making strides in this area, Kamana noted, highlighting the country’s adoption of livestock innovations. Rwanda has introduced high-value, protein-rich fodder species and promoted insect rearing for use in feed supplements for fish, chickens, and pigs.
He observed that digitizing agriculture could be a key strategy for advancing the continent’s agricultural sector. “Digital extension and enhancing digital literacy for IT tools are pivotal for expanding community outreach,” Kamana explained.
“For example, farmers can now access subsidized seeds and fertilizers through the Smart Nkunganire System, a digital platform serving over a million farmers nationwide each season. Additionally, drones are used for rapid delivery of vaccines and semen to remote areas.”
To gauge the impact of these innovations from a farmer’s perspective, SENS spoke with Sifa Florence Sangwa, an Agri-influencer dedicated to advancing food security in Rwanda and Africa. “Technology has significantly transformed my farming practices and productivity,” Sangwa told us in an interview.
“I use the internet to research, stay updated on the latest farming trends, learn new methods for improving crop yields and animal health, and exchange insights with farmers globally.”
This network of information, she says, keeps her informed about innovative approaches and boosts her productivity. Moreover, the use of small machinery has streamlined their operations, making farm work faster and more efficient.
When asked about the tech innovations most beneficial for improving food security, Sangwa responded, “Precision agriculture and livestock monitoring technologies have been particularly effective.”
Precision Agriculture optimizes resource-use like water, fertilizers, and pesticides to better yields and reduced waste, which directly enhances food security. In livestock production, automated feeding systems, health monitoring tools, and breeding technologies ensure healthier animals and more efficient production of meat, milk, and eggs.
These advancements not only increase productivity but also help secure food by improving resource management and overall farm efficiency. As for challenges of adopting new technologies, Sangwa explained that a major hurdle is the labor force, particularly those used to traditional farming practices.
Shifting to technology-driven methods requires time, training, and overcoming resistance to change, which can slow down adoption. “The high cost of advanced technologies, such as sophisticated machinery and livestock monitoring systems, is often prohibitive for smallholder farmers, limiting their access to these innovations,” she added.
Looking to the future, the Agri-influencer believes that “technology will continue to evolve, becoming more accessible and affordable for all farmers, including smallholders.”
She argues that mobile apps will provide real-time data on weather, soil conditions, and crop and livestock health, helping farmers make informed decisions even in remote areas. Innovations like drones, AI, and remote sensors will offer more precise monitoring of fields and animals, while predictive analytics will anticipate issues like pest outbreaks.
In livestock farming, tools for tracking health, predicting breeding cycles, and managing nutrition will be crucial. Advances in biotechnology, such as climate-resistant crop varieties, will also play a key role in enhancing food security.
Integrating these technologies with local knowledge will create more sustainable agricultural systems in Rwanda, boosting productivity, reducing waste, and addressing the growing food demands amid climate challenges. Governments and the private sector should explore effective public-private partnerships to develop sustainable infrastructure and services.
Despite the progress made, AgriTech has only begun to unlock its potential for transforming agriculture in these regions. As AgriTech continues to advance, it’s vital to ensure that smallholder and women farmers are included to mitigate risks to food security and livelihoods in emerging economies.
Governments need to facilitate this transition by offering both financial and non-financial incentives, such as access to quality data and support for private sector investments.
