The adoption of technology in agriculture holds great potential, but a multi-faceted approach is needed to overcome the barriers.
In the pursuit of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the modernisation of agriculture, South Africa faces significant challenges in promoting the adoption of digital technologies among small-scale farmers. The state, economic, political, and social factors all affect the adoption of digital technology in Agriculture Value Chains (AVCs). So, how can we get on a path towards a more tech-enabled and resilient agricultural sector?
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasises the role of agriculture in achieving goals such as ending poverty, ensuring zero hunger, and promoting sustainable consumption and production. In line with these global objectives, South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) envisions agriculture as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth, particularly among small-scale farmers seeking to transition into commercial farming. Digital technology interventions have the potential to bring about positive economic outcomes, such as reducing costs, increasing productivity, and enhancing profitability. But they’re not always easily accessible to small-holder farmers.
Small-scale farmers in South Africa encounter various hurdles that impede their ability to adopt digital technologies effectively. These include limited access to farming land, credit, technology, and other essential resources. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) offers opportunities to address these challenges by revolutionising how farmers manufacture, grow, market, and distribute food. However, the lack of skills within agricultural ministries and extension services hampers the implementation of digital adoption programs.
A survey of research on agricultural technology use and productivity gains in Africa concluded that much remains to be learned about how to increase technology adoption and productivity on the continent’s farms.
A multi-faceted approach is needed to overcome the barriers to digital adoption in South Africa’s agriculture sector. Government and developmental organisations need to provide support to ensure equitable access to technology:
And innovators and entrepreneurs need to continue to develop and scale appropriate, affordable technologies that address small-scale farmers’ most urgent challenges.
Digital technology has the potential to transform South Africa’s agriculture sector, particularly for small-scale farmers. But overcoming technology adoption barriers requires a concerted effort from governments, private sectors, and development organisations. Eventually, when other constraints are reduced—along with the cost of new technologies—the digital revolution could pave the way for a tech-enabled agricultural future, contributing to sustainable development goals and food security on the continent.
Alex is Business Development Manager at RegenZ. He's inspired by the potential of regenerative farming and takes a special interest in the technology and products that are moving agriculture in a more sustainable direction.