TECHNOLOGY
Artificial intelligence , blockchain and other technologies contributing to the future of local agriculture for that matter ; and the lack of technical skills and expertise is fuelled by skills migration that is prominent in South Africa specifically .
Furthermore , in order to prevent costly mistakes , he advises local agri-businesses to leverage the power of AI through critical partnerships with companies like Datacentrix , where past learnings and experiences contribute to stronger IP , rather than attempting to go the AI journey alone .
Innovative technologies , including blockchain , artificial intelligence ( AI ), drones and more , will continue to pave the way for growth within the local agricultural sector , while playing a critical role in helping to alleviate global challenges such as food security and wastage .
This was the central theme at the fifth Agri Indaba , hosted by Datacentrix , a leading hybrid ICT systems integrator and managed services provider , recently in Limpopo .
In his welcoming address , Ahmed Mahomed , Datacentrix CEO noted that the South African agricultural sector has shown a remarkable performance , despite inhibiting factors such as load shedding , rising inflation and the global economic slowdown , providing food to 60.6 million citizens ( and several million other residents ) as well as to every country within Africa , with the exception of the Cape Verde Islands and Eritrea .
“ South African agriculture exported $ 12.8 billion in agricultural products last year , roughly half of its annual produce , and we believe that this can be even better supported by smart , data-driven farms and their improved efficiencies . This type of environment could potentially encompass solutions such as data management , AI , machine learning ( ML ), internet-based solutions , mobile technologies , drone-based applications and automation .”
AI to play a key role in ending world hunger 2023 has been another year of extreme jeopardy for those struggling to feed their families said
‘ human-centred AI advocate ’ and thought leader , Johan Steyn , who explained during his Agri Indaba keynote address that , according to data from the World Food Programme , 783 million people worldwide are uncertain of where their next meal is coming from .
“ The global community must not fail on its promise to help end world hunger and malnutrition by 2023 ,” he stated , adding that technological agriculture could be a game changer for Africa , as well as for the rest of the developing world .
“ It is interesting to note that some of the most prominent voices on AI and technology have not been technologists , but historians and philosophers . Israeli author and historian Yuval Noah Harari , for instance , has said that the world is facing three existential problems : nuclear war , ecological disaster , and AI ,” added Steyn . “ However , for the agriculture sector , AI could help to improve malnourishment and hunger in the world . This could range from precision farming , where data from drones , satellites and ground sensors can be used for better predictions , reduced waste and improved crop yields ; earlier detection of pests or crop disease ; the use of AI-equipped machinery for faster planting and harvesting ; and the streamlining of the agricultural supply chain to speed up produce reaching the market , thereby limiting food wastage .
But AI doesn ’ t come without its challenges . Steyn suggested that , for industry to retain control over AI , both the regulatory environment and AI skills challenges need to be overcome . There are no regulations that govern AI in Africa , or globally
“ It ’ s important that agri-businesses embark on their AI journeys by looking at business problems , and focusing on financial returns and business longevity . Here , the modern agri-business leader needs to find the balance between human and technology collaboration by establishing a human strategy that is supported by AI and other technological interventions .
Blockchain bolsters broken food chain Dr Tebogo Sethibe , Group Executive at the Agricultural Research Council ( ARC ), added blockchain technology to the Agri Indaba discussion , saying that , from a food security point of view , this type of solution is already being successfully used to rectify broken food chain challenges such as contamination and consumer demand for greater transparency within the food industry .
“ Blockchain has the ability to hold the history of food items through the entire supply chain ; from farm to fork . Its end-to-end traceability means that all players in the chain have access to the same information at the same time , helping to save time , decrease cost , reduce risk and also increase trust .”
In conclusion , Steyn commented that “ technology can revolutionise business , but we must not lose sight of why we are doing this . It is to ensure a sustainable future for our children , with the promise of nourishment and prosperity , by using technology responsibly .”
The Datacentrix Agri Indaba 2023 was supported by the participating technology partners , including Platinum Partner , Veritas , and Gold Partners eNetworks , Fortinet ( Exclusive Networks ), Hewlett Packard Enterprise ( HPE ), HPE Aruba , ManageEngine ( ITR Technology ), and VMware .
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