Solar panel prices are plummeting due to overproduction in China, making renewable energy more accessible. Although the scorching sun beats relentlessly on barren lands, it also represents an untapped resource for solar power. Thousands of educated youths graduate from universities without employment, yet they embody a reservoir of untapped talent and innovation. What do AI, abundant sunlight, cheap solar panels, unemployed educated youth, carbon credits, and direct cell-to-satellite technology mean? How do these disparate concepts affect economic development?
Direct cell-to-satellite communication and low-cost solar energy have the potential to bring about a revolutionary shift in the industry. These advances will alleviate the burdens of public digital infrastructure (PDI), enabling rapid connectivity and sustainable development. With reduced barriers to internet access and affordable renewable energy, African nations can harness the ingenuity of their youth, driving unprecedented growth and innovation. However, these transformations depend heavily on supportive government policies that reduce or eliminate taxes on essential services, such as digital communication tools and solar energy, thereby fostering an environment where innovation thrives.
An inclusive PDI would enable affordable capacity building to explore opportunities, such as utilising artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline agricultural value chains and optimise resources at the village level. Such an initiative would provide smallholder farmers with the opportunity to overcome poverty, enhance food security, and stimulate local economies by creating jobs and promoting sustainable practices. The integration of AI in agriculture can provide precise weather predictions, monitor soil health, and facilitate efficient crop management, thereby increasing productivity and reducing waste.
More significantly, the convergence of these seemingly disparate solutions would accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to create a just and equitable world by 2030. However, changes in technology are slowly undermining rural farmers in Africa, and no one is talking about it. Despite their responsibility to feed millions and supply local and export markets, small farmers across the continent continue to earn meagre profits from their saleable produce. In stark contrast, their international buyers use cutting-edge technology to track every step of the supply chain—from soil to supermarket shelf. Local supermarkets have become more selective, leaving producers uncertain about how to manage their surpluses. The divide is widening and exacerbating poverty. To bridge the growing gap, technology is essential for a fairer and more prosperous future for the continent’s small farmers.
Many rural communities still operate under traditional cooperative models, which were initially established as post-colonial responses to marginalisation. These cooperatives aimed to pool resources, provide mutual support, and secure fair market access for their members. However, political elites and the wealthy co-opted these cooperatives over time, using them as tools for their self-enrichment. This exploitation has left many members disillusioned and trapped in cycles of poverty. As one farmer put it, “They’ve become slow, bureaucratic, corrupt, and tech-averse.”
Instead of optimising value, these cooperatives are limiting it. Rather than continue with structures that no longer serve their purpose, a growing chorus of voices is calling for their replacement with self-organising groups based on location and real-time market demand. These new formations would enable farmers to align their production with both local, quality-driven buyers and high-value markets, which are increasingly demanding traceability, quality standards, and ethical sourcing. The integration of modern technology into these communities can enable farmers to optimise production. Employing data-driven insights and real-time feedback mechanisms, farmers can make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and distribution. This empowerment is crucial for meeting the stringent quality and traceability standards demanded by premium markets.
The European Union, a significant market for African produce, is implementing stringent new regulations under its Green Deal (GD) initiative. These regulations, which focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, will become mandatory within the next seven to fifteen months. Non-compliance with these regulations will result in an inability to export produce to the EU market. The GD initiative aims to enhance sustainability, reduce carbon footprints, and ensure transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. Key compliance requirements include traceability, sustainable farming practices, reducing carbon footprints, ethical sourcing, and meeting EU quality standards. Producers must document the production journey, adopt environmentally friendly methods, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure fair labour practices. To comply with the EU’s Green Deal regulations, African farmers and exporters can invest in technology such as blockchain, collaborate with international partners, enhance education and training on sustainable practices, and advocate for supportive policies that promote sustainable farming and financial assistance.
The benefits of technology to farmers will be enormous, providing them with tools to optimise their farming practices and increase their income. For instance, farmers can gain a deeper understanding of carbon credits, often siphoned off without their knowledge. By leveraging technology, farmers can accurately measure and monetise the carbon sequestration capabilities of their land. Access to real-time data and blockchain technology can ensure transparent tracking of carbon credits, empowering farmers to benefit from these environmental initiatives.
Moreover, technology can facilitate better market access and price discovery for farmers, helping them to secure fair prices for their produce. With digital platforms, farmers can connect directly with buyers, reducing the influence of middlemen and ensuring they receive a larger share of the profits. Advanced logistics and supply chain management tools can streamline distribution processes, reducing waste and ensuring timely delivery to markets.
Furthermore, technology can improve the overall quality of life in rural communities. Access to digital education and healthcare can empower farmers and their families, enhancing their skills and well-being. By integrating modern technology into agricultural practices, farmers can not only increase productivity but also contribute to sustainable development and environmental conservation, aligning their efforts with global standards and benefiting from international trade opportunities.
The integration of advanced technology in agriculture holds the promise of transforming the livelihoods of small farmers in Africa. It will enable innovations such as AI, blockchain, and direct market access, allowing farmers to overcome long-standing challenges, enhance productivity, and secure better incomes. However, the success of this transformation hinges on supportive governmental policies, international collaboration, and a commitment to sustainable practices. Embracing these changes will bridge the existing divide and pave the way for a fairer, more prosperous, and sustainable future for the continent’s agricultural sector, aligning with global standards and maximising the potential of Africa’s untapped human and natural resources.
