Digitalisation for smallholder farmers

This knowledge brief synthesizes the latest discourse on digitalisation in Africa, based on literature review and a dialogue between African and European experts. The aim of the knowledge brief was to inform a shared research and innovation agenda for agroecological transitions of agri-food systems in Africa under AU/EU policy frameworks.

Digitalisation has brought a vast array of opportunities to smallholder farmers in Africa, which, when coupled with the right investments, can help them transition to more sustainable agri-food systems. However, the diversity of services, advice and solutions provided can be overwhelming. There is often a lack of understanding about potential drivers and hindering factors and successful cases are generally context specific. To support the transition for smallholder farmers, regulations and policies must be put in place to spur responsible digitalisation. Incentives and funding facilities for the production and deployment of farmer-owned digital tools must also be prioritised. This knowledge brief outlines what digitalisation may mean for smallholder farmers in Africa and draws specific links between digitalisation and FAO’s 10 principles of agroecology.