According to the figures, the continent's agricultural technology has evolved greatly since the continent recognised the influence it has on production and effectiveness. Agriculture accounts for more than 30% of the continent's GDP and employs more than 60% of its workforce. Technology not only strengthens an industry but also expands its potential. Furthermore, a system must be in place for when the population grows, which can only be accomplished by introducing technology into businesses that require a great deal of care, of which African agriculture is clearly one. Kenya which has got the largest economy in Africa is also leading its way to digitalization in agribusiness. Agricultural technologies in Kenya are becoming a prime source of livelihood.
Climate change is also having an adverse effect on farmers. Kenya's agricultural systems are composed mostly of rain-fed agriculture, making it very susceptible to changes in the climate. By using climate-smart practices Agriculture technology in Kenya is advancing and this is anticipated that it may reduce the consequences of climate change and improve crop predictability. Agricultural technology adoption in developing countries like Kenya is worth a wait.
By 2050, Africa's population is expected to reach 9.1 billion people, thus antiquated agricultural practices have long been a problem for the continent's governments and hence the government is trying to stabilise theAgriculture technology in Kenya.
Digital technology may help farmers, investors, and businesspeople in Africa produce and consume food more efficiently. Technology has the potential to offer major economic, social, and environmental benefits, from precision farming to an effective food supply chain.
The startup ecosystem is quite optimistic that by radically changing the industry that employs the great majority of the inhabitants of the continent, Africa's terrible hunger may be eradicated in this generation. To prevent the spread of widespread hunger, farm output in Africa, where there will likely be over 2 billion people by that time, must increase more quickly than the world average.
What is the importance of agriculture technology in Africa and what is the impact of technology on agriculture?
Over the years, things have changed and farming techniques have evolved for good. Moreover, they have understood that adapting technology could only benefit them without having them to worry about any matter what so ever and in Africa, where the majority of the people are into agriculture, it is evident that to increase the yield, they have to move to a certain technique that calls for good investment - but worth the amount.
- Higher crop productivity: In contrast to the manual approach, where the output may be good but slow and monotonous, agri-technologies such as may boost yields, improve the efficiency of water and other inputs, and encourage sustainability and resilience in crop production hence, the impact of technology in agriculture in Africa has been really profitable for higher crop productivity.
- Decreased use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, which in turn keeps food prices down: When it comes to irrigation and enhanced technology, technical improvements for improved irrigation include more effective irrigation systems with regulated water release so that crops receive only the quantity required. Agricultural technology adoption in developing countries aims towards reducing non-renewable resources to an extent that sustainability goals are never compromised. There were irrigations in old agriculture, but no good monitoring of how much water was used or even for the matter required (e.g. pressurised irrigation systems such as drip irrigation).
- Greater efficiencies and lower prices: Farmers used to handle everything manually, which led to lower yields, but now that technology has advanced more, they can establish their own pricing and even sell at a loss, which is advantageous to market purchasers. Surprisingly, this shows how technology has changed farming.
- Safer growing conditions and safer foods: Modern agriculture frequently employs robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial photography, and GPS technologies. This cutting-edge technology, robotic systems, and precision agriculture techniques may help businesses become more profitable, productive, safe, and environmentally friendly.
- Increased worker safety: The safety of employees' workspaces, particularly those of farmers, is critical, and the advent of technology such as the acquisition of robotic technologies enables more reliable monitoring and management of natural resources. It also gives producers greater control over plant and animal production, processing, distribution, and storage, which results in better output.
Now it wouldn't be wrong to state that agricultural technology in Africa is playing a vital role in the agricultural sector for sure. Moreover, without agricultural technology, just like any other region, even Africa cannot see a bright future in agri-technology!