Digital Transformation of the Agricultural Industry in Africa

David Mhlanga
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David Mhlanga: The University of Johannesburg

Chapter Chapter 19 in Fostering Long-Term Sustainable Development in Africa, 2024, pp 441-464 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter examines the difficulties associated with implementing digital transformation in the agriculture sector of Africa. The agricultural sector serves as the main source of revenue for the majority of African nations; yet, it encounters numerous obstacles, including restricted availability of resources, inputs, and technology essential for enhancing production and incomes. The study analyzes the obstacles posed by digital transformation, encompassing restricted availability of digital infrastructure, inadequate proficiency in digital skills, apprehensions regarding data privacy and security, and issues related to affordability. The chapter asserts that collaborative endeavors involving governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and development partners are imperative to allocate resources toward digital infrastructure, deliver comprehensive digital skills training, advocate for data privacy and security, and guarantee universal accessibility and affordability of digital technologies for all participants in the agriculture sector. Concrete suggestions encompass the extension of internet connectivity in rural regions, imparting instruction on digital proficiencies and technologies to small-scale agriculturalists, instituting regulations for safeguarding data, fostering collaborations between public and private sectors to stimulate innovation, and allocating resources toward research and development of novel digital tools for agriculture. By adopting these suggestions, the agricultural sector in Africa may harness the potential of digital technologies to attain food security, enhance livelihoods, and stimulate economic growth.

Keywords: Digital transformation; Agricultural sector; Africa; Challenges; Opportunities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-031-61321-0_19

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-61321-0_19

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