This is the 16th post in a blog series to be published in 2023 by the APET Secretariat on behalf of the AU High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) and the Calestous Juma Executive Dialogues (CJED)

Agriculture plays a vital role in the economies of many African countries. It contributes approximately 37% of the continent's gross domestic product (GDP) and accounts for nearly 60% of its export revenue.[1] Moreover, agriculture serves as the primary source of employment for over 76% of the labour force, encompassing a significant portion of the continent's 987 million inhabitants residing in rural areas. After recognising the significance of agriculture, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 outlines its first aspiration as: “A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development” thereby emphasizing the continent’s need to invest in modern agriculture to enhance productivity.

To support this objective, the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), a continental framework operating within Agenda 2063, was developed to eradicate hunger, reduce poverty, and foster economic growth through agriculture-led development. This framework encourages African countries to allocate a minimum of 10% of their national budgets to agriculture and rural development. By committing to this allocation and leveraging the CAADP framework, countries are expected to achieve annual agricultural growth rates of at least 6% and expand their investments in the agricultural sector.[2] These initiatives, therefore, seek to drive sustainable development, improve food security, and uplift the livelihoods of individuals across the African continent.

Agriculture in Africa has made remarkable strides in recent years, experiencing an average annual growth rate of 13% between 2015 and 2020.[3]  However, agricultural productivity in Africa remains low compared to other parts of the world. If food production remains stagnant, then Africa is projected to spend approximately US$ 150 billion on food imports by 2030.  Several factors contribute to low agricultural productivity in Africa, including the limited adoption of improved agricultural technologies like high-quality seeds, fertilisers, and mechanisation services.  Climate change, poor infrastructure, and limited access to markets further compound the challenges.[4]

African countries can address the challenges of low agricultural productivity by investing in agricultural research and development to develop new crop varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases, as well as more efficient irrigation systems. Furthermore, African countries should improve access to credit and markets to enable farmers to purchase input and sell their produce at a fair price. Strengthening agricultural institutions is equally vital to enhance the coordination of agricultural policies and programmes across the continent.[5]  CAADP emphasises the importance of agricultural input in revolutionising the agriculture sector in Africa.

Both organic and inorganic fertilisers are important input in improving crop yields, particularly when soils are depleted due to repeated cropping without proper soil amelioration. Additionally, high-yielding seeds are a strategic input for agriculture, with a significant impact on crop yield and return on investment.[6] Improved seeds can yield 4-6 metric tonnes per hectare, compared to less than 1 metric tonne per hectare from conventional, unimproved seeds. To increase agricultural productivity, it is important that farmers transition from using traditional approaches to science and technology-based farming practices, which involve using fertilisers, better seeds, and modern agronomic techniques.

The timely delivery and access to essential farm input in Africa, however, present significant challenges that contribute to low food productivity on the continent. The availability of input distribution at the right time is crucial for enabling early planting in favourable weather conditions.[7] thereby, ensuring the accumulation of necessary thermal time for optimal growth and development of crops in ecological settings. However, the fragmented and underdeveloped nature of the input market in Africa hinders timely access to this input. Factors such as market development, technical limitations, and inadequate infrastructure further exacerbate the problem.[8] As a result, many farmers are unable to obtain the necessary input on time, thereby negatively impacting their crop production and overall agricultural productivity. Addressing these challenges and improving the efficiency of input delivery systems are essential steps towards enhancing food production in Africa.

In Africa, some obstacles related to market development impede the timely delivery of farm input, including insufficient human resources, limited access to financing, inadequate market information and the absence of an efficient regulatory framework for agricultural input and supplies. On the technical side, it is crucial to address the lack of basic technical understanding among African farmers, especially regarding fertiliser application, as this knowledge is vital for the timely planting of crops. Moreover, infrastructural constraints such as poor road networks, particularly in rural areas, pose challenges in reaching these locations.

To tackle the challenges surrounding low agricultural yield in Africa, the African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) urges African governments to embrace emerging digital technologies. These technologies encompass a wide range of solutions, from text message-based farming guidance to interactive voice response systems. Mobile applications that connect farmers to multimedia advisory information, agricultural input and consumers are also part of this digital revolution.

APET further explores the use of satellite and drone systems to guide agricultural practices, such as determining optimal crop selection and input utilisation. Moreover, digital technologies streamline logistical aspects, such as using drones for seed delivery. APET opines that digitalisation can transform the barriers to timely access to farm input into opportunities, enhancing adaptation, productivity, and resilience for farmers in Africa.

Digitisation has revolutionised the process of ordering and payment for fertilisers, benefitting farmers in remote areas with limited access to traditional financial services. For example, through mobile money payment systems, farmers can easily pay for their input, ensuring timely access. Additionally, digital platforms on mobile phones provide farmers with crucial information on suitable fertilisers for their crops, addressing a previous challenge. African policy makers can also utilise electronic vouchers (e-vouchers), to enable prompt access to input for farmers. Once the e-voucher is successfully redeemed, automatic payments are made to agro-dealers. Mobile technology is utilised in the e-voucher platform for voucher activation and redemption , streamlining the process for efficient input distribution.[9]

A prime example of successful implementation is the Zambian government’s Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), which has been e-vouchers since 2012. This programme has significantly improved small-scale farmers' access to agricultural input. In 2019 alone, The FISP reached over 1.2 million farmers and contributed to a 10-15% increase in agricultural output.

Another notable platform is the M-Kulima platform in Tanzania, which has revolutionised access to agricultural input and information for smallholder farmers, in Figure 1 below. Linked to the M-Pesa mobile money system, M-Kulima enables farmers to purchase input and services through their mobile phones. This platform has been instrumental in increasing access to input and providing valuable agricultural guidance.[10]

Figure 1: Vodacom’s M-Kulima app digitising farming in Tanzania[11]

The use of e-vouchers for farm input in African countries has significantly increased access to these crucial resources. E-vouchers simplify the process by allowing farmers to redeem them  at various outlets, including agro-dealers, input suppliers, and government agencies. This approach has not only  enhanced the efficiency of input distribution systems but also eliminated the need for farmers to travel to government offices for input collection. Additionally, e-vouchers enable tracking and monitoring, ensuring input reach the intended beneficiaries and increasing transparency in input distribution.[12]

Recognising the empowering impact of e-vouchers, APET acknowledges that they provide farmers with access to input, enabling them to improve their yields and overall agricultural productivity. Furthermore, e-vouchers are by providing small-scale farmers with the means to increase their incomes through enhanced agricultural production. Therefore, by ensuring farmers' access to necessary input, e-vouchers contribute to improved food security and the availability of sufficient food resources.[13]

The implementation of e-vouchers for farm input offers a transformative approach to agricultural development in Africa. These digital solutions increase access, efficiency, and transparency in input distribution systems, leading to enhanced agricultural productivity, reduced poverty, and improved food security. This approach holds great promise for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and fostering economic growth across the continent.

To effectively adopt digital tools to improve food security, African countries need to invest in the development of digital infrastructure, including reliable internet connectivity, mobile networks and technology hubs in rural areas. These measures will guarantee that farmers and stakeholders have access to the necessary digital tools and platforms. Furthermore, African countries would implement training programmes to enhance digital literacy and skills among farmers, extension workers, and agricultural stakeholders.[14] This will empower them to effectively utilise digital tools and technologies in agriculture.

Furthermore, countries should establish robust data collection systems to gather relevant agricultural data, including weather patterns, soil quality, and market information. This data can be analysed using cutting-edge data processing methods to provide insights for decision-making and resource management.  To this end APET recommends that African innovators develop user-friendly mobile and web applications that provide farmers with access to information on farm input and market information. These applications can offer real-time market prices, weather forecasts, and pests and disease alerts. Furthermore, African countries should facilitate the adoption of digital payment systems, allowing farmers to make secure and efficient transactions. This would reduce the reliance on cash-based transactions, improve transparency and facilitate access to credit and insurance services.[15]

Digital technologies can further promote the seamless connection and integration of digital tools in the agricultural supply chain, connecting farmers, input suppliers, agro-dealers, and retailers. To drive digital innovation in agriculture, African countries should also foster collaboration between governments, private sector companies, and technology providers. This collaboration can involve co-developing and implementing digital solutions, sharing resources and expertise, and supporting innovation hubs. Moreover, it is important for African countries to develop supportive policies and regulatory frameworks that encourage investment and innovation in digital agriculture. These policies should address areas such as data privacy and protection, intellectual property rights, and fair competition in the digital farming sector.

The panel further recommends the establishment of platforms for farmer engagement and feedback, allowing them to provide input on the design and implementation of digital tools. This would ensure that the technologies developed are user-centric and effectively address the needs and challenges faced by farmers. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the impact of digital tools should be conducted regularly to identify areas for improvement, measure progress, and make informed decisions for further implementation.[16]

In conclusion, APET asserts that by embracing the suggested policies and strategies, African countries can harness the power of digital farming technologies to revolutionise their agricultural sector. These initiatives will enable improved distribution and access to essential farm input, facilitate efficient resource management through data-driven decision-making, and ultimately bolster food security across the continent. By investing in digital infrastructure, promoting capacity building, and fostering public-private partnerships, African countries can leverage technology to overcome current challenges and pave the way for a more sustainable and productive agricultural future.

Featured Bloggers – APET Secretariat

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[1] Langyintuo, A. (2020). Smallholder Farmers’ Access to Input and Finance in Africa. In: Gomez y Paloma, S., Riesgo, L., Louhichi, K. (eds) The Role of Smallholder Farms in Food and Nutrition Security. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42148-9_7

[2] https://au.int/en/articles/comprehensive-african-agricultural-development-programme

[3] https://www.afdb.org/sites/default/files/news_documents/chap2-ader_2021_en_v15.pdf

[4] https://ourworldindata.org/africa-yields-problem

[5] https://www.brookings.edu/articles/food-security-strengthening-africas-food-systems/

[6] Gbejewoh, O.; Keesstra, S.; Blancquaert, E. The 3Ps (Profit, Planet, and People) of Sustainability amidst Climate Change: A South African Grape and Wine Perspective. Sustainability 2021, 13, 2910. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052910

[7] https://www.oecd.org/derec/49231998.pdf

[8] https://www.inter-reseaux.org/wp-content/uploads/11_Gregory_and_Bumb-Factors_Affecting_Supply_of_Fertilizer.pdf

[9] https://itweb.africa/content/lLn147mjjygMJ6Aa

[10] https://www.canr.msu.edu/fsp/outreach/presentations/Zambia%20FISP%20innovations%20&%20prelim%20results%20on%20short-run%20effects%20-%20ICAE%20-%202018_07_30%20-%20final%20-%20web%20-%20Nicole%20Mason.pdf

[11] https://vodacom.co.tz/m-kulima-more

[12] https://www.fao.org/publications/card/en/c/I9140EN

[13] https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/overview

[14] Gashaw T. Abate, Kibrom A. Abay, Jordan Chamberlin, Yumna Kassim, David J. Spielman, Martin Paul Jr Tabe-Ojong, Digital tools and agricultural market transformation in Africa: Why are they not at scale yet, and what will it take to get there?, Food Policy, Volume 116, 2023, 102439, ISSN 0306-9192, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2023.102439.

[15] https://www.oecd.org/greengrowth/sustainable-agriculture/2739771.pdf

[16] https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/38507-doc-dts-english.pdf