Walid Battal
The digitalization of agriculture in Africa is advancing rapidly and promises to increase productivity and reduce rural poverty. Mobile apps dedicated to crop management and satellite monitoring have already increased agricultural productivity by an average of 20%, impacting thousands of farmers.
However, a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) indicates that only 25% of farmers have access to the internet, and the lack of digital knowledge and skills remains a major challenge. High costs of technology and the lack of telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas only exacerbate the situation.
For the digitalization of agriculture to be inclusive and sustainable, it is essential to develop digital infrastructures, train farmers, and strengthen public and private partnerships.