In the heart of the Global South, a digital revolution is quietly transforming the agricultural landscape, and it’s not just about the crops. A groundbreaking study published in Discover Agriculture, the English translation of ‘Descubrir Agricultura’, is shedding light on how digital agro-advisory tools are reshaping farming practices and, by extension, the energy sector. The research, led by Kingsley Ofosu-Ampong from the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), delves into the behavioural impacts of these tools and charts a course for their future.
Imagine a smallholder farmer in sub-Saharan Africa, previously reliant on traditional methods and weather patterns. Now, equipped with a smartphone, they receive real-time weather updates, soil health alerts, and market price information. This isn’t a futuristic scenario; it’s happening now, and it’s disrupting the status quo.
Ofosu-Ampong and his team identified a spectrum of digital agro-advisory tools, each with varying adoption rates and behavioural typologies. Low-adoption tools, for instance, focus on information dissemination and post-harvest loss reduction. But the real game-changers are the high-adoption tools, which prioritise climate-smart agriculture, farmer empowerment, and collaborative platforms.
“Trust is the fundamental foundation that determines adoption and sustained use of digital agricultural tools in the Global South,” Ofosu-Ampong asserts. This trust is not just about the technology but also about the ecosystem surrounding it. Digital literacy, infrastructure, and policy environments play pivotal roles in scaling up these tools.
So, how does this translate to the energy sector? As farming practices become more data-driven and efficient, the demand for energy shifts. Solar-powered irrigation systems, for example, could see a surge in demand, as farmers seek to optimise water usage based on real-time data. Moreover, the increased use of digital tools could drive demand for reliable, off-grid energy solutions, opening up new markets for energy providers.
The study also underscores the importance of inclusive design and requirement elicitation. Tools must be accessible and relevant to the needs of smallholder farmers. This means considering factors like language, literacy levels, and cultural contexts. It’s not just about creating a tool; it’s about creating a tool that works for the people who need it most.
Looking ahead, the future of digital agro-advisory tools is bright, but it’s not without challenges. Addressing digital divides, fostering collaboration between stakeholders, and promoting digital literacy are crucial steps. But as Ofosu-Ampong’s research shows, the potential is immense. By harnessing the power of digital tools, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and energy-efficient agricultural future. The question is, are we ready to seize this opportunity? The energy sector, in particular, has a significant role to play in this digital agricultural revolution. The tools are here, the need is clear, and the potential is enormous. It’s time to cultivate this digital future.