The adoption of improved agricultural technologies and innovations is critical to enhancing livelihood of farmers.
Developing digital solutions tailored to local needs and languages including education on benefits and use will accelerate adoption and use among farmers in Africa and contribute to improved productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
This was said by Dr. Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director of African Agricultural Technology Foundation -AATF, while speaking during a panel session at the Africa Food Systems Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Kanangire noted that engaging with local stakeholders including local governments, civil society and community leaders will enhance understanding of the challenges and opportunities for digital adoption in the agriculture sector.
He noted that affordability, accessibility, and maintenance are major hindrances to adoption of digital solutions into Africa’s agriculture, adding that this requires collaboration of stakeholders and structured investment towards infrastructure development.
“AATF is collaborating with universities, private companies, and NGOs to promote digital technologies in Africa through remote sensing, mobile applications, and drones,” said Kanangire.
He added that AATF-developed applications aim to help smallholder farmers access e-extension services, farm management tools, and weather information to improve productivity.
Through public-private partnership, AATF is able to provide these technologies at affordable costs which has enhanced uptake and use.
Founded in 2003 to address Africa’s food security prospects through agricultural technology, AATF believes that the agricultural sector is a key foundational pillar as Africa consolidates its economic growth and carves out its new position as a major global economic powerhouse and the next growth market in the world.
It was formed in response to the need for an effective mechanism that would facilitate and support negotiation for technology access and delivery and formation of appropriate partnerships to manage the development & deployment of innovative technologies for use by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
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