This is the 20th post in a blog series to be published in 2023 by the APET Secretariat on behalf of the AU High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET)

Agriculture holds significant importance in African economies, with smallholder farmers constituting over 60% of the population in Africa and contributing approximately 23% of the region's gross domestic product (GDP).[1] The African Union's Agenda 2063 identifies agriculture as a crucial sector to achieve top priorities, including poverty and hunger eradication. Despite continuous growth in Africa's agricultural output, land tenure systems, labour practices and soil inputs remain largely unchanged.[2]

Healthy soil is the foundation of the food chain and a fundamental building block for agriculture. All food-producing plants rely on nutrient-rich soil for nourishment, directly impacting the nutritional value and quantity of crops that sustain human and animal populations. With essential nutrients, water, and oxygen, healthy soils provide a stable foundation for food-producing plants to grow and prosper. Soil also acts as a protective buffer, safeguarding delicate plant roots from sudden temperature changes and ensuring continued productivity.

In Africa, the prosperity of agriculture hinges on the presence of fertile soil capable of producing healthy crops. The quality and health of soil play pivotal roles in the growth of both crops and livestock farming.[3] Regrettably, the continuous decline in soil quality significantly threatens Africa's agricultural productivity. Approximately 65% of agricultural land in Africa suffers from soil degradation, primarily caused by erosion-induced losses of topsoil and vital nutrients. Despite the continent's vast land availability, less than half of it is currently used for agriculture, and only 16% of arable land boasts excellent quality. The rising demand for food due to a growing population has spurred increased land use and deforestation, further exacerbating soil degradation. Factors such as overgrazing and inadequate fertilisation practices also contribute to this decline in soil health.

Farmers rely on understanding the characteristics and composition of their soil to make informed decisions about crop selection, as different crops thrive in specific soil types. Soil mapping plays a pivotal role in providing crucial insights into soil composition for farmers.[4] This process involves systematically observing and documenting the various types of soil and their distribution within a given region. The benefits of soil mapping are manifold, as it helps farmers select the most suitable crops, apply appropriate fertilisers, and plan irrigation schedules. Additionally, soil mapping facilitates the formulation of effective soil conservation and restoration plans. As a result, soil data becomes a vital component of long-term soil management. Both the soil profile and its spatial distribution are integral elements that promote sustainable agricultural practices.  

Traditionally, the task of soil mapping falls upon skilled soil surveyors who possess relevant expertise, invest substantial time in the field, conduct periodic auguring, and ultimately create a field soil map which is later digitised and printed.[5] However, this approach is marked by high costs and time requirements, particularly burdensome for small-scale farmers who constitute the predominant farming demography across Africa. Addressing this challenge, the African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) advocates that African farmers should adopt drones as an alternative method in soil mapping. Drones, integral to precision agriculture, are commonly known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

In their report titled “Drones on the Horizon: Transforming Africa’s Agriculture”, APET asserts that UAVs offer a transformative leap beyond conventional soil survey techniques, providing swift and precise data to expedite decision-making. UAVs facilitate rapid deployment, enabling data collection near end-users, while delivering a more comprehensive and precise dataset compared to traditional camera-based methods.[6] Moreover, the data from these surveys can potentially fuel research into leveraging cost-effective UAVs for enhanced flood modelling simulations, thereby, negating the necessity for expensive and intricate human aircraft solutions.

Furthermore, drones have the potential to significantly enhance agricultural productivity by providing invaluable information and insights beyond farmers' traditional reach. As previously mentioned, drones excel in tasks such as soil mapping, pest and disease monitoring, and precision agriculture applications. Equipped with this data, APET emphasises that farmers can make more informed decisions about planting, watering, and harvesting timelines, ultimately leading to increased yields. Additionally, drones streamline labour-intensive activities such as scouting for pests, applying fertilisers, pesticides, and harvesting, thereby enabling farmers to allocate their efforts toward marketing and refining land management practices.[7] Moreover, drones contribute to sustainable agriculture by optimising the use of pesticides and fertilisers through precise applications, minimising their environmental impact, and promoting human health. Particularly, the integration of drones into farming practices holds the promise of job creation, income augmentation, and economic growth across Africa, with the drone industry projected to generate millions of jobs in the region. Simultaneously, increased yields and reduced costs bolster farmers' financial well-being.

In Africa, there are illustrative instances that showcase the transformative impact drones are currently exerting on agriculture. These examples highlight drones' pivotal role in propelling progress in areas such as soil mapping, crop monitoring, and livestock management. For example, in Nigeria, Aerobotics employs drones equipped with light spectrometers to map and analyse soil, aiding farmers in optimising crop yields by assessing nutrient levels and moisture content. Meanwhile, Kenya's Precision Hawk employs drones with thermal cameras to detect pests and diseases in crops, facilitating timely interventions. In South Africa, Aeryon Labs uses drones to monitor livestock health and location. Numerous startups such as Drone Deploy and Air ware are also making strides in soil analysis and crop protection. These drone applications enhance agricultural productivity by providing data-driven insights for informed decision-making. By reducing labour requirements and promoting precision agriculture, drones contribute to increased crop yields and sustainable practices, fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship.[8]

APET urges African countries to establish and implement national UAV regulatory frameworks. Ensuring the secure and conscientious utilisation of drones in African agriculture necessitates the establishment and enforcement of national UAV regulatory frameworks. Safeguarding both individuals and the environment is paramount, as drones, if misused, can pose threats such as collisions and environmental harm.[9] Through these frameworks, regulations can be put in place to mitigate potential risks associated with drone usage. Furthermore, these frameworks act as an enabler of equitable access to the advantages of drone technology for all farmers, erasing barriers related to size or location. By creating a level playing field, these regulations facilitate widespread adoption, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity across the continent.

Facilitating innovation is another crucial role of these frameworks, as they should adapt to the rapidly evolving drone industry. Flexibility within these regulations supports the ongoing development of novel drone technologies, thereby positioning Africa at the forefront of this transformative revolution.[10] Additionally, the frameworks provide clarity and certainty for drone operators, outlining precise guidelines and expectations to minimise accidents and risks. Beyond technical specifications, these frameworks foster public confidence in drone utilisation. By demonstrating governmental commitment to the responsible and secure application of drone technology, public trust is strengthened, ensuring community comfort, and encouraging the widespread acceptance of drones in various regions.[11]

In conclusion, APET notes that establishing and implementing national UAV regulatory frameworks are indispensable for the responsible and secure integration of drones into African agriculture. These frameworks champion accessibility, innovation, and safety, ensuring that the benefits of drone technology are harnessed for the betterment of all farmers while nurturing a culture of responsibility and progress.

 

Featured Bloggers – APET Secretariat

Aggrey Ambali

Justina Dugbazah

Barbara Glover

Bhekani Mbuli

Chifundo Kungade

Nhlawulo Shikwambane

 

 

 

[1] https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/agriculture/our-insights/winning-in-africas-agricultural-market

[2]https://www.tralac.org/images/docs/6460/agriculture-in-africa-transformation-and-outlook.pdf

[3] https://environment.co/why-soil-quality-and-health-are-key-to-agriculture/

[4] https://geopard.tech/blog/soil-mapping-as-a-tool-for-agricultural-management/#:~:text=Soil%20mapping%20is%20a%20process,selection%2C%20fertilization%2C%20and%20irrigation.

[5]https://www.wur.nl/en/show/comparison-of-traditional-soil-survey-and-digital-soil-mapping.htm

[6] https://www.nepad.org/publication/drones-horizon-transforming-africas-agriculture

[7] McCarthy, C.; Nyoni, Y.; Kachamba, D.J.; Banda, L.B.; Moyo, B.; Chisambi, C.; Banfill, J.; Hoshino, B. Can Drones Help Smallholder Farmers Improve Agriculture Efficiencies and Reduce Food Insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa? Local Perceptions from Malawi. Agriculture 2023, 13, 1075. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13051075

[8] https://furtherafrica.com/2023/06/13/how-drones-will-revolutionize-agriculture-in-africa/

[9] Ayamga, M.; Tekinerdogan, B.; Kassahun, A. Exploring the Challenges Posed by Regulations for the Use of Drones in Agriculture in the African Context. Land 2021, 10, 164. https://doi.org/10.3390/land10020164

[10] https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2020/04/15/drones-development-and-discovery/.

[11] Merkert, R., & Bushell, J. (2020). Managing the drone revolution: A systematic literature review into the current use of airborne drones and future strategic directions for their effective control. Journal of air transport management, 89, 101929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2020.101929