The fourth day of UM6P’s Science Week in Ben Guerir brought together a panel of experts to delve into the future of digital agriculture in Africa, highlighting both the immense potential and the significant challenges that lie ahead in the continent’s agricultural transformation journey. The discussions underscored the critical role that digital technology can play in revolutionizing Africa’s agriculture sector, but also the stark realities that hinder its widespread adoption.
Ken Lohento, a Digital Agriculture specialist at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) regional office for Africa, presented striking statistics that laid bare the digital divide in African agriculture. He revealed that only 5% of small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa regularly use digital technology, leaving a vast majority unable to benefit from agricultural innovations. This divide is further exacerbated by infrastructure challenges, with approximately 50% of communities lacking reliable access to electricity. Lohento emphasized the stark contrasts between nations across the continent, noting that while countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Tunisia have made significant strides in digital agriculture adoption, others such as Togo, Niger, Chad, and Guinea face considerable obstacles.
Mustapha El Bouhssini, an Entomology Professor and Associate Dean for Research at UM6P’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, spoke to Morocco World News (MWN) about how digital agriculture and agroecology can shape the future of farming in Morocco and Africa. He explained that digital agriculture enables precision farming, allowing 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, providing farmers with immediate guidance on nutrient deficiencies or pest control measures through simple smartphone photographs.
However, the benefits of these technologies are not evenly distributed. While larger farms are already leveraging advanced technologies like drones and sensors, cost remains a significant barrier for smaller farmers. Morocco’s agricultural sector, however, features promising developments in this digital transformation. El Bouhssini highlighted the country’s aim to implement conservation agriculture across one million hectares in the coming years, a crucial step as Morocco grapples with an ongoing seven-year drought. UM6P’s Al Moutmir extension service, with 100 engineers working throughout Morocco, reflects the country’s commitment to technology transfer, although digital solutions are needed to reach a broader farming population.
In terms of ecoagriculture, El Bouhssini noted that UM6P’s research is focused on pest management approaches that are environmentally friendly, reducing reliance on pesticides. As African nations strive 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 emphasized the need for AI in boosting Africa’s agriculture transition. El Bouhssini highlighted UM6P’s role in Africa’s agriculture transformation journey, stating that their research aims to contribute to food security in Africa by optimizing the use of phosphorus and other fertilizers and inputs. The discussions at UM6P’s Science Week underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to bridge the digital divide and harness the full potential of digital agriculture in Africa.
