AI to help smallholder farmers increase productivity and build resilience.

Young African agripreneurs are leading the way in using artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle food security issues and modernise agrifood systems across the continent.

In a recent X Spaces live event hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Office for Africa, three tech-savvy innovators from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Kenya shared how they are applying AI to help smallholder farmers increase productivity and build resilience.

The one-hour digital conversation drew nearly 200 participants and shed light on the power of youth-driven innovation in agriculture. The event formed part of FAO’s “Youth on the Frontier of Agrifood Systems” series, which aims to amplify the voices and efforts of young leaders in shaping Africa’s food future.

Among the featured entrepreneurs was Tafadzwa Chikwereti from Zimbabwe, the founder of eAgro. His company developed CropFix, a mobile AI platform that diagnoses pests, diseases, and nutrient issues using photos taken by farmers. Speaking during the session, he stressed the importance of accessibility: “The biggest challenge is rural connectivity and digital literacy. Bundling AI tools with accessible platforms is crucial for improving harvests.” He added, “We deliver these insights using platforms including SMS text messages, which are crucial for smallholder farmers without internet or smartphones.”

From Nigeria, Femi Adekoya—known as the “Flying Farmer”—spoke about how he’s combining drones and AI at Integrated Aerial Precision to advance precision agriculture. He explained: “It means applying the right thing at the right time in the right place with the right intensity. That is sustainable agriculture.” Adekoya also trains young people through the Precision Field Academy and collaborates with universities across Nigeria. “We believe African youth can be equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead this work,” he said.

Kenyan agripreneur Lavender Birike, founder of Klima360, highlighted how her platform blends climate, soil, and market data using AI to forecast risks and help both farmers and insurers make better decisions. She called for improved access to open data: “We have a lot of research data sitting in different places. If we could pass policies that enable access and provide safety frameworks, it would open opportunities for young people to develop localised solutions.” She also spoke on gender inclusion in tech: “This is an opportunity for women to be involved from the beginning.”

FAO Digital Agriculture specialist Ken Lohento closed the event by stressing that collaboration between governments, academia, private sectors, and local communities is essential to scale these innovations. He pointed to FAO initiatives like the Fostering Digital Villages (FDiVi) project as examples of how rural areas can benefit from digital and AI technologies.

The project, called Pastoralism and Livestock Marketing in Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad Cross-Border Territories (PASCO), is set to run for four years.

Action Against Hunger (ACF), together with national and regional partners, has launched a £10mn livestock development project aimed at improving the livelihoods of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon.

The project, called Pastoralism and Livestock Marketing in Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad Cross-Border Territories (PASCO), is set to run for four years. It focuses on boosting resilience, increasing income, and strengthening livestock trade across borders by building better market systems and enhancing value chains.

The initiative was introduced at a national workshop held in Yola. Representing ACF Nigeria Country Thierno Diallo, Director  and Emmanuel Pmabi, the field coordinator in Borno, explained that the project targets vulnerable communities in the Lake Chad Basin.

“The project will improve livelihoods, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable agro-pastoral communities. It will open up new markets and ensure reliable off-takers for livestock products,” said Diallo.

He highlighted that beyond climate challenges, poor access to markets has held back livestock producers. PASCO is expected to fix this gap by creating sustainable trading systems.

Jocelin Glaguidi, chief of party for PASCO, described the project as a necessary step to help communities facing economic and security difficulties. “This project will promote inclusive governance, cross-border trade, and sustainable natural resource management within the Lake Chad Basin,” he said.

Alhaji Idi Maiha, the federal minister of livestock development, welcomed the launch, saying it supports Bola Tinubu President's renewed focus on livestock development, marked by the creation of a dedicated ministry in 2024.

“With the right infrastructure, enhanced security, and strong collaboration among the three countries, we can develop seamless cross-border livestock value chains that will benefit pastoralists and increase national revenue,” the minister stated.

He acknowledged existing problems such as insecurity and the effects of climate change, but assured stakeholders that the government is working on solutions.

Dr. Emmanuel Kadal, Borno’s State technical director of livestock development, praised PASCO for aligning with ongoing state efforts. “The governor has established international cattle markets in several local government areas to restore livelihoods and enhance resilience in post-conflict communities. This project will further boost productivity,” he said.

The project is funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) through the Minka Peace and Resilience Fund. Implementation is led by IRAM in partnership with ACF and other local and regional actors.

The launch event brought together government officials, NGOs, and community leaders from across the Lake Chad region.

The committee urged the department to speed up efforts to localise renewable energy production.

South Africa's  Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources has called on the Department of Electricity and Energy to prioritise the local manufacturing of renewable energy products instead of relying on imports

This came after the department briefed the committee on the implementation of the Renewable Energy Sector Master Plan (RESMP).

During the presentation, the department outlined the key goals of the Master Plan, describing it as a driver for industrial development that aims to meet the growing demand for renewable energy, especially solar and wind power. A strong focus was placed on the importance of promoting inclusive economic growth by involving previously disadvantaged groups, with particular emphasis on youth and women, in the renewable energy sector.

The committee was briefed on several initiatives under the Master Plan. These included the localisation of renewable energy production, the rollout of skills development programmes, and the establishment of proper monitoring systems to track progress. Committee members stressed that the plan should not only address energy needs but also promote job creation and skills development.

Members raised concerns about the involvement of vulnerable communities, especially those in rural areas, asking the department how it plans to ensure these groups benefit from the Master Plan. The department responded by affirming its goal to ensure that at least 50% of job opportunities go to youth and marginalised communities. It also highlighted ongoing efforts to identify skills needs and expand internship and training programmes.

Regarding local manufacturing, the committee questioned the current focus on training people only for assembly work rather than producing renewable energy components like solar panels and charge controllers. They urged the department to move beyond just assembling and start developing the capacity to manufacture such products locally. In response, the department confirmed that steps are being taken to explore and expand local manufacturing opportunities.

The committee also flagged concerns about regulatory hurdles, particularly a moratorium from the Department of Defence, which has delayed the issuing of letters of no objection needed by Independent Power Producers (IPPs). They warned this could slow down progress in renewable energy projects. The department assured the committee it would work with the relevant departments to address these challenges and avoid any delays for IPPs.

Overall, the committee urged the department to speed up efforts to localise renewable energy production and ensure broad community participation.

The main agenda of the new vision is to transform the Expanded Public Works Programme from temporary job relief to a skills-based employment pipeline.

The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure has praised the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure for its strategic and annual performance plans for the 2025/26 financial year

The committee Chairperson, Rikus Badenhorst, said, "This is not a mere tweak of the department, but a fundamental shift in how it understands and executes its core mandate. Minister Macpherson's agenda marks a critical departure towards a department that catalyses infrastructure-led growth, a partner in job creation, and a driver of economic recovery."

Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure, presented these plans, highlighting their alignment with the National Development Plan & commitment to economic recovery and job creation.

The main agenda of the new vision is to transform the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) from temporary job relief to a skills-based employment pipeline, with a budget of R7.2 billion to create long-term, dignified jobs. Rikus highlighted the importance of this shift for restoring human dignity and economic resilience. The committee also supported the department’s initiatives for urban regeneration and optimising state assets to enhance public value.

While in conversation with Macpherson, Badenhorst said, "It is clear that you bring political will to the table. This committee will match it with rigorous oversight, constructive engagement, and institutional support. Together, we can turn this department, and indeed South Africa, into a construction site of progress.”

Badenhorst expressed confidence in the Ministry's leadership and the committee's readiness to provide oversight and support in driving these reforms for South Africa's progress.