Bespoke Precision Agriculture for Small-Scale Farming in Sub-Saharan Africa: Defining Potential Benefits and Pathways

Abstract

Precision agriculture (PA) holds enormous potential for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where agriculture remains central to economic development, employing more than half of the adult population and contributing significantly to GDP. However, adoption rates remain low. This communication examines the potential benefits, challenges and possible pathways for increasing uptake among smallholders in SSA. Drawing from recent initiatives and case studies, successful applications demonstrate that low-cost, localised and gender inclusive PA innovations can increase adoption among smallholders. However, challenges such as high upfront technology costs, limited internet connectivity, low digital literacy, limited access to financial services and a lack of tailored training remain significant barriers. Addressing these barriers requires the co-creation of affordable technologies and flexible financing schemes, the provision of support services, offline functionality and integrating PA into the educational curriculum and extension systems in SSA to build capacity to sustain adoption. Furthermore, promoting gender inclusivity and strengthening data management systems are equally important for long-term success. By addressing these barriers, PA can drive sustainable agricultural production, improve food security and enhance climate resilience. This communication highlights the need for coordination among farmers, developers, researchers and policymakers to foster a robust PA ecosystem for smallholder farmers in SSA.