Harnessing tech and innovation in agriculture

The Eastern Africa region faces both significant opportunities and unprecedented challenges in its agricultural systems. With a population exceeding 280 million, including 30 million pastoralists and agro-pastoralists, the region is endowed with vast arable land, abundant livestock, fisheries, and rich biodiversity, offering immense potential for agriculture-driven economic transformation.

Yet, climate-related disasters like droughts, floods, landslides, and pests like desert locusts and fall armyworms continue to threaten agriculture. Conflict, limited technology adoption, and rising food costs further exacerbate food insecurity.

According to FAO, in 2023, 864 million people globally faced severe food insecurity, with Africa accounting for 58 percent of this population. Eastern Africa has seen a dramatic rise in food-insecure individuals—an increase of 50 million since 2019. The Igad Regional Focus of the 2024 Global Report on Food Crises states that 63 million people—25 percent of the population in seven Igad countries—are experiencing acute food insecurity, underscoring the urgency for transformative solutions.

Technology and innovation are crucial in addressing these challenges, ensuring agrifood systems are efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Advancements such as drought-resistant seeds, smart irrigation, data-driven decision-making tools, drones, and satellite imagery provide solutions that enhance productivity while preserving natural resources. Interventions in the region illustrate the transformative impact of technology. In Somalia, drones, satellites, and ground surveillance helped predict locust movements, enabling timely government action. In Ethiopia, improved grain storage technologies like hermetic bags have reduced food waste and improved food safety. Improved production and processing systems enhance food diversification and accessibility, promoting better nutrition. 

Eastern Africa’s prevalence of stunting is significantly higher than the global average, affecting many children under five. Chronic malnutrition impairs cognitive development, hindering future health and economic opportunities. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable solutions, such as renewable energy sources—solar, wind, biofuel, hydropower, and geothermal energy—alongside reforestation and innovative waste management to safeguard ecosystems.

Technology and innovation also support disaster response, resilience-building, and rural transformation. Climate-smart practices like precision farming, agroforestry, and mobile-based early warning systems empower communities to cope with extreme weather, pest infestations, droughts, and floods. 

FAO’s “Better Life” principle emphasises sustainable agrifood systems that improve livelihoods and create jobs, particularly for women and youth.Engaging youth in agriculture is vital, as they comprise 70 percent of Eastern Africa’s population. Digital farming, agro-processing, and sustainable agriculture offer employment opportunities. Youth-led innovations such as mobile apps for farming advice, precision agriculture using drones, and e-commerce platforms for agricultural products are revolutionising farming.

Despite robust national and regional policies, implementation gaps persist, particularly in youth agricultural engagement. Collaboration is essential in transforming agrifood systems for the benefit of rural communities, women, and youth. Small-scale producers and family farmers need access to inclusive, affordable, and context-specific innovations. Rigorous analyses, statistical data, and geospatial information are key to informed decision-making at all levels. Achieving sustainability requires strong partnerships, as no single entity can accomplish this transformation alone.

Farayi Zimudzi is the FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for Eastern Africa and Representative to the AU and UNECA.