Faustine Ngila spoke to Amrote Abdella, the regional director for Microsoft 4Afrika, about digital platforms changing farming
Why is it becoming important for Africa to innovate in agriculture?
Agriculture
accounts for 65 per cent of Kenya’s export earnings. It provides
livelihood for more than 80 per cent of the population.
Despite
this, Sub-Saharan Africa faces the greatest food security risk. By
2050, its population is expected to increase 2.5-fold.
Because
of this, agricultural transformation has become a priority on policy
agenda. Just half a tonne increase in staple yields could generate a
13-20 per cent higher GDP in many developing countries.
Innovations
offer powerful tools that can revolutionise agriculture. To manage
rising demands in a sustainable way, it is imperative for every player
to embrace opportunities offered by technology.
The Digitalisation of African Agriculture Report found that
despite 400 solutions in play, 90 per cent of the market for digital
solutions in agriculture remains untapped.
Which innovations are driving growth in the sector in Africa?
Effective
use of technology can support food security and unlock opportunities
that can attract young people into agribusiness. Multinationals,
industry leaders and entrepreneurs have started seeing potential in this
sector.
Precision farming techniques are an example of how technology is changing the industry.
Data
and advanced analytics can be used to predict short-term weather and
the effect on a farm. Investors are also following agri-space and
scouting for scalable solutions across markets.
Agritech
start-ups across the continent accumulated Sh1.3 billion in funding in
2017. Twiga Foods recently raised Sh2.3 billion in funding from Goldman
Sachs Group to enable it invest in technology-driven commercial
solutions.
Microsoft has spent years looking for and investing in agritech solutions.
We
have provided technical, financial and market support to African
Agritech solution providers, including N-Frnds, Twiga Foods, Tulaa, AGIN
and SunCulture.
FAO has published a report recommending the use of blockchain to boost yields. Is Africa ready for this?
Global
spending on blockchain solutions reached Sh200.7 billion by the end of
2019. This is according to the International Data Corporation.
Forecasts
from the research say the figure will be close to $15.9 billion in
2023. Widespread use of this technology still has a way to go in Africa.
What challenges in agro production can be solved by technology in 2020?
By
2050, the world’s population will increase to 9.1 billion, requiring
double the current crop production and 70 per cent more food.
Agriculture must meet this demand using only five per cent more land
while minimising use of resources.
As production scales up to meet demand, the current emissions and resource use trajectory is not sustainable.
Diet
and taste are shifting. Food preferences are also changing. Despite
advances in the early 20th century, global crop yields cannot keep pace
with the growing demand. Advanced technology is rapidly transforming
every aspect of agricultural operations.
What can be done for Africa to move at the same speed regarding 4 IR in agriculture?
With
advanced technology, there is an opportunity to leapfrog the trajectory
of adopting these technologies. With AI, we can use local language to
provide timely information to the farmers on pest control, advice and so
on.
It also provides a chance for two-way interaction with the farmer, where we can collect data and customise extension services.
At a national level, there is an opportunity to digitise the food balance sheet and predict when to import or export food.
To what extent will technology improve crop and animal production in 2020?
Given
the progress made on the continent, I am confident 2020 will bring more
sustainable solutions, investment and progress for farmers.
Organisations and industry leaders will partner to achieve the much-needed steps for a sustainable agriculture.
Microsoft
is in a unique position to help firms digitally transform. Our strategy
is to build products and services based on a mobile first-cloud first
approach and to deliver a flexible, relevant platform of integrated
offerings. We are able to provide this through Big Data and advanced
analytics tools.
Enhanced productivity and
collaboration tools that connect farmers, field personnel, suppliers,
researchers, allowing them to work anywhere, anytime on any device will
be vital.
Greater mobility for field workforce and
trusted cloud services to aggregate and process data sets in a secure
manner will be a game-changer.
No comments :
Post a Comment