Technology the best bet to transform Africa's food systems

Despite agriculture accounting for almost 60 percent of total employment in Sub-Saharan Africa, agricultural productivity in Africa continues to lag behind other regions, according to the International Labour Organization. However, experts have argued that digital technologies and related products and services can transform production, management and governance of food systems on the continent to improve food security.

Speaking at the 8th Africa Agri-Expo held in Kenya's capital Nairobi on Wednesday and Thursday, exhibitors and agriculture experts acknowledged Africa's gap in adopting technology for innovative farming techniques, data-driven agriculture, best practices for sustainable agriculture, financing and investment.

While calling for an accelerated uptake of technology to improve food security, nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, Juma Mukhwana, Kenya's principal secretary in the Ministry of Industry decried the minimal uptake of technology in the agricultural sector. Noting that small scale farming, which is the backbone of many African economies, plays a major role in generating employment, ensuring food security and driving innovation, Mukhwana said that this is where the synergy between technology adoption and agriculture should focus on. He added that the Kenyan government will continue to promote partnerships with farmers and investors while promoting the development and adoption of new technologies through creating policies that encourage research and innovation.

Eric Kimunguyi, the chief executive officer of the Agrochemicals Association of Kenya, suggested that the adoption of technology in Africa's agriculture sector can start with small-scale initiatives targeting farmers to largescale applications.