WE NEED MORE YOUNG AFRICANS TO FARM; IS DIGITAL FARMING A SOLUTION?
We need more young Africans to farm. Let’s give them the tools to do so, writes Michael Hailu, director of the Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Development (CTA). It has long been clear that agriculture needs more young people, not only to secure Africa’s future food security but to modernize farming and keep pace with a changing world. But what is it about agriculture that young people need? The answer may lie in the fresh opportunities created by digitalisation. New technologies are transforming farming systems across the world, including in developing countries. Innovations range from drones that help detect crop pests earlier to mobile systems that link previously “unbankable” smallholder farmers with vital financial services. For the 12 million young people entering into the workforce in Africa each year, this could all help make farming and food production much more appealing. For starters, new and emerging technology means that agriculture does not have to i...