In the heart of West Africa, Ghana is making strides in blending digital innovation with its agricultural sector, aiming to foster a green economy that is both sustainable and equitable. However, a recent systematic review published in *Cogent Food & Agriculture* reveals that the integration of digital technologies in the smallholder agricultural sector is not as comprehensive or inclusive as it could be. The research, led by Rebecca Sarku of the University of Leeds’ Sustainability Research Institute, sheds light on the gaps and opportunities in this transformative journey.
The study, which analyzed 65 selected studies from Scopus and Google Scholar, found that digital green technologies in Ghana’s smallholder sector are primarily focused on farm practices such as agronomy, extension services, and climate/weather information. While these are undeniably valuable, they represent only a fraction of what a true green economy transition could entail. “Green economy initiatives in the smallholder sector are limited to farm practices such as agronomy, extension and climate/weather services rather than emission reduction, market transformation and enhancing ecological resilience,” Sarku noted.
The research also highlighted that the digital tools currently in use by smallholder farmers are largely basic technologies like radio and mobile phones. Advanced technologies such as drones and blockchain are still in the pilot project phase or confined to private agritech firms. This disparity in technology adoption is further exacerbated by intersecting factors such as gender, age, education, income, religion, and geography, leading to unequal access and adoption rates.
The commercial implications of these findings are significant. For the agriculture sector to fully harness the potential of digital technologies, a more radical and just transition approach is needed. This would involve not only the adoption of advanced technologies but also addressing the systemic inequalities that currently limit access. As Sarku puts it, “Digital initiatives in Ghana are incremental, and we suggest radical just transition approaches to boost the adoption of digital innovations, close the inequality gaps, and also curb the exacerbation of existing disparities.”
The research suggests that future developments in the field should focus on creating more inclusive and equitable digital initiatives. This could involve targeted interventions to address the specific barriers faced by different groups, such as women, the elderly, and those in remote areas. Additionally, there is a need for more comprehensive green economy initiatives that go beyond farm practices to include emission reduction, market transformation, and enhancing ecological resilience.
As Ghana continues to integrate digital technologies into its agricultural sector, the insights from this research could shape policies and practices to ensure a more just and sustainable transition. By addressing the current gaps and inequalities, the sector can unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the broader economy. The study, led by Rebecca Sarku of the University of Leeds’ Sustainability Research Institute and published in *Cogent Food & Agriculture*, serves as a crucial guidepost in this ongoing journey.