What's Happening?
AI tools have the potential to significantly increase agricultural productivity, but there is a risk of excluding smallholder farmers if these tools are not tailored to local contexts. Smallholder farmers, who make up around 80% of farmers in developing
countries, face challenges such as limited access to improved seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, mechanization, and weaker infrastructure. The Conversation highlights the yield gap between the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa, where maize yields in the U.S. often exceed 10 tons per hectare, compared to 2-3 tons per hectare in parts of Africa.
Why It's Important?
The adoption of AI tools in agriculture could lead to increased productivity and efficiency, benefiting large-scale operations. However, the exclusion of smallholder farmers poses a significant challenge, as they represent a substantial portion of the global agricultural workforce. Ensuring that AI tools are accessible and tailored to the needs of smallholders is crucial for equitable growth and sustainability in agriculture. Addressing barriers such as connectivity, affordable sensors, and localized data is essential to prevent widening the gap between large and small-scale farmers.
