A new study by Malabo Montpellier Panel outlines a huge scope for investment across the agricultural value chain, allowing African farmers to leapfrog into modern practices. “These conditions present a perfect opportunity for digital agriculture to scale up across rural Africa,” says Prof. Joachim von Braun, co-chair of the Malabo Montpellier Panel. Also, a transparent regulatory environment is required that promotes further adoption of digital technologies and services while balancing the free-flow of data and information with privacy policies. One area that the report flagged as lacking in digital innovation is post-harvest losses. The report also warns that Africa needs to tackle the IT skills and digital literacy gap, especially amongst farmers, extension agents and e-agriculture entrepreneurs.

Source: Nigerian Tribune June 21, 2019 00:45 UTC