Here, Achraf El Allali, Associate Professor of Bioinformatics at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), explores how innovative technologies and digital farming can help cultivate a more resilient agricultural ecosystem
The 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report revealed a sobering reality: one in 11 people globally and one in five people in Africa are facing hunger. As the population grows, this is only set to increase. Indeed, by 2050, the world will need to feed nearly 10 billion people. As climate change continues to accelerate food insecurity, the agriculture sector must embrace technological innovations to help enhance productivity and create a more resilient world.
The constraints of conventional farming
Agriculture has always been a high-stakes endeavor, where farmers must balance experience, intuition, and historical data to make critical decisions. But in an era of climate volatility and increasing demand for produce, these traditional methods are no longer enough. Many long-established processes are struggling to account for the continuously changing variables that shape agricultural outcomes, such as weather events, market demands, and water availability. This leaves farmers vulnerable to uncertainty, a major challenge in an industry where precision is essential for success.
For example, conventional yield prediction models, which are often based on linear regression or field surveys, often fail to effectively handle the competing dynamics of weather patterns, soil health, and nutrient management. This can lead to inefficient resource use, unpredictable yields, and ultimately, profit losses for the farmers themselves. Given that agriculture is a low-margin industry at the best of times, it’s critical that farmers adopt new tools and technologies to help address these challenges.
Digital farming
Technological advancements are providing a lifeline for farmers. Precision agriculture—a management concept that uses technology to improve farming practices—is transforming the industry. This approach involves utilizing various devices, including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and automated tools to gather data that enhances agricultural efficiency and maximizes crop yields.
For example, IoT devices can be used to monitor soil health to help prevent overfertilization. The tools can also measure other areas of the environment, such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, which all support optimal crop health.
This is particularly beneficial for Africa, where maize is the main staple food crop for more than 300 million Africans. Agriculture on the continent has long relied on generational wisdom, intuition, and basic meteorological patterns to guide planting and harvesting. However, climate change has made this traditional approach unreliable. Rainfall patterns are shifting unpredictably, droughts are more frequent, and new pests are devastating yields. Technology can offer enhanced precision and data-driven solutions, helping to boost crop yields and improve food supplies.
Technology is also transforming fertilizer management, an area where achieving the right balance is key. Overuse depletes soil, contaminates water, and can cause biodiversity loss. On the other hand, underuse can damage the soil by depleting essential nutrients and thereby weakening yields. However, AI can now analyze detailed soil data, providing exact recommendations to ensure that each plant receives exactly what it needs. One study found that AI-driven soil management can boost crop yields by up to 20% while cutting water and fertilizer use by 15%.
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