Digital Agriculture: Bridging the Tech Gap in African Farming
Ben Guerir – The fourth day of UM6P's Science Week gathered experts to discuss the future of digital agriculture in Africa, shedding light on the immense potential and significant challenges of the continent's agriculture transformation journey.
Ken Lohento, Digital Agriculture specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) regional office for Africa, pointed to striking statistics. He revealed that only 5% of small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa regularly use digital technology, while a vast majority is left unable to benefit from agricultural innovations.
This digital divide is further complicated by infrastructure challenges, with approximately 50% of communities lacking reliable access to electricity.
Speaking today during a session on Agritech and Digital Divide, Lehonto spoke of stark contrasts between nations across the continent. 'Africa is not one country,' he said.
While countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Tunisia have shown significant progress in digital agriculture adoption, others such as Togo, Niger, Chad, and Guinea face considerable obstacles.
Mustapha El Bouhssini, Entomology Professor and Associate Dean for Research at UM6P's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, spoke to Morocco World News (MWN) of how digital agriculture and agroecology can shape farming's future in Morocco and Africa.
'With digital agriculture, it's precision agriculture,' he explained, describing how modern technology enables farmers to optimize resource use through precise soil analysis and targeted application of inputs.
The integration of artificial intelligence and mobile applications is revolutionizing farm management, he argued . Mustapha El Bouhssini, Entomology Professor and Associate Dean for Research at UM6P
Read also: OCP Nutricrops, UM6P, French Partners Join Forces for Sustainable Agricultural Solutions
Digital innovations now enable farmers to photograph crop symptoms using their phones to receive immediate guidance on nutrient deficiencies or advice on pest control measures.
However, while larger farms are already benefiting from advanced technologies like drones and sensors, cost remains a significant barrier for smaller farmers.
Morocco's agritech promising initiative
Morocco's agricultural sector features promising developments in this digital transformation.
El Bouhssini said that the country aims to 'implement conservation agriculture across one million hectares in the coming years,' a crucial step as Morocco has undergone an ongoing seven-year drought.
With 100 engineers working throughout Morocco, UM6P's Al Moutmir extension service reflects Morocco's commitment to technology transfer, though digital solutions are needed to reach a broader farming population
In terms of ecoagriculture, El Bouhssini noted that their research at UM6P is focused on 'pest management approaches.'
'These are environmentally friendly means of controlling diseases and pests rather than relying on pesticides only,' he added.
As African nations work to achieve food security, experts agree that success will require a balanced approach combining digital innovation with sustainable practices.
This includes the precision application of essential nutrients like phosphorus, where Morocco's vast phosphate reserves could play a crucial role in supporting continental food security, while ensuring environmental protection through smart resource management.
Both international and UM6P's agriculture experts asserted today the need for AI in boosting Africa's agriculture transition.
Meanwhile, of UM6P's role in Africa's agriculture transformation journey, El Bouhssini said: 'We hope through our research that we really contribute to the food security in Africa by adding really the needed amount of phosphorus and other fertilizers and other input.'
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