Africa has a population of 1.5 Billion people as of January 2024, as reported by Worldmeter. At least 60% of the population is made up of young people below 25 years old, a more reason to educate this generation who are tech savvy to be involved in the farming space. According to the 2023 Africa Agriculture Status Report dubbed "Empowering Africa's Food Systems," 650 million Africans —50% of the continent’s population—lack economic or physical access to sufficient food. The question remains, how can Africa cultivate tech talents among young people venturing agriculture?
Ways to Cultivate Tech Talent in Agriculture
1. Investing in Agricultural Education
- Interact with cutting-edge technologies and gain practical insights into their applications on the farm.
- Network with experts, fellow farmers and tech providers, fostering valuable connections and knowledge exchange.
- Enhance their skills at their own pace in the case of online courses.
- Access the latest information on agricultural technology and equip them with the necessary tools to implement data analytics and automation practices effectively.
At Synnefa, we offer tech faming education through our blogs, knowledge centre and YouTube channel.
Farmers interacting with technology during an exhibition [ Featured by Synnefa]
2. Collaborate with Agricultural Tech Providers
Partnering up with agricultural tech pros is like having a high-tech sidekick for your farm. Picture this: you get the latest gadgets plus hands-on training to help you work like magic on your fields. These partnerships are not just a one-time thing – you get ongoing support to stay ahead in the tech game.
For instance, at Synnefa we collaborate with farmers to train them how to use our tech tools that help them not only make monitoring of their farms easy but also access other benefits like markets, access tech inventories among others. This is where our FarmCloud comes in handy.
It's not just about the tools; it's about gaining super skills to rock your farm game. So, gear up, and let's make your farming journey smart, savvy and successful! Click to sign up to our FarmCloud Tool.
3. Engaging With Agricultural Innovation Hubs
Agricultural innovation hubs are like the cool hangout spot for farmers and tech experts in the agricultural sector.
Imagine a place where you meet other cool farmers and hangout with tech enthusiasts. Additionally, you will get a chance to get your hands dirty trying out the latest farm gadgets. This is not just about farming. It is about making connections, sharing knowledge and diving into the agricultural technology world.
Synnefa has a tech hub where farmers get a chance to interact with the gadgets and tools that are secret sauces for their farming success.
4. Adopting Precision Agriculture Practices
Precision agriculture is a farm management concept focused on providing the agricultural industry with the infrastructure to leverage advanced technology including big data, the cloud and the internet of things (IoT) responsible for tracking, monitoring, automating and analyzing operations. In a nutshell, it is software-managed and sensor-monitored such as Synnefa's AI powered Farmshield.
- GPS-guided equipment ensures precise management of planting and harvesting, maximizing efficiency.
- Sensors provide real-time soil data, allowing for targeted adjustments in fertilization and irrigation to minimize waste.
- Drones aid in crop monitoring and disease detection, facilitating quick responses to potential threats.
A farmer in Kenya using Synnefa's AI powered sensors, Farmshield
Precision agriculture not only boosts productivity but also promotes sustainable and resource-conscious farming practices, aligning with the evolving need for efficiency in modern agriculture.
5. Being Open to On-Farm Experimentation
Picture this – testing out new technologies on a small scale right on your own turf. It's like trying on a pair of boots before committing to the whole farm dance! This approach isn't just smart; it's proactive.
Be open to experiment firsthand. Doing this, you gain insights into what works best for your farm without diving into the deep end. It's all about understanding the impact and feasibility before going all-in.
Want to experience some on-farm adventures? Our team at Synnefa will help you achieve just that. Your farm, your experiment, your success!
In Conclusion
Cultivating your tech talent as an African farmer is not just a journey; it's a transformative leap into a future where innovation meets agriculture.The key lies in continuous learning, collaboration with ag-tech partners and fearlessly experimenting on your own fields. You hold the power to shape the narrative of modern agriculture on the continent. Seize the opportunity!
Want to learn more on our agtech solutions? Reach out to us https://www.synnefa.io/consultation-request
