AI and blockchain are coming to African farms: 4 things must happen for farmers to benefit

By Olaoluwa Omoniyi Olarewaju, Honorary Research Fellow, University of KwaZulu-Natal

The use of digital agriculture is expanding across Africa. Tools like artificial intelligence (AI), sensors and blockchain are helping farmers receive information about weather, pests, markets and farm management. AI can analyse images and other farm data to detect problems or support decisions. Digital traceability systems can record where food comes from and what happens to it along the supply chain.

These technologies offer considerable opportunities, particularly in horticulture. Fruits and vegetables are highly perishable, so a decision made at the wrong time can result in substantial…

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