Gaborone, Botswana — September 17, 2024
The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) participated in the Botswana Technology Conference (Boteco), held at the Botswana Digital Innovation Hub (BDIH) in Gaborone. This year’s theme, "Rethinking Digitalisation: Technology as a Catalyst for Positive Change," underscored the vital role of digital solutions in transforming various sectors, including agriculture.
The conference served as a dynamic platform for stakeholders across different sectors to engage in discussions about integrating technology for sustainable development. With an increasing emphasis on sustainable practices, the need to leverage digital tools has never been more critical. Boteco 2024 aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration that could yield meaningful impacts within the agricultural sector.
CCARDESA’s involvement in the conference reflects its commitment to advancing agricultural practices through technology in Southern Africa. With digitalisation and sustainable agriculture at the forefront, the event provided an essential forum for addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities. As digital solutions gain traction, they are set to enhance productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the region. The discussions initiated at Boteco 2024 are part of a transformative journey towards sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.
The Importance of Digitalization in Agriculture
1. Precision Farming:
- Utilizes data-driven techniques to enhance crop yields.
- Monitors soil health and weather patterns.
- Implements resource management to minimize waste and environmental impact.
2. Climate Smart Agriculture:
- Develops strategies to adapt to climate change while boosting productivity.
- Enhances resilience against climate risks using technology.
- Promotes practices to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Informed Decision-Making:
- Leverages big data and analytics for better farming choices.
- Uses mobile applications for real-time information access.
- Integrates market data to guide crop selection and sales.
4. Knowledge Dissemination Among Smallholder Farmers:
- Improves access to training and resources via digital platforms.
- Fosters community networks for information sharing.
- Utilizes social media for outreach and education.
CCARDESA’s Role in Promoting Digital Solutions
As an organization dedicated to enhancing agricultural research and development across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), CCARDESA plays a crucial role in promoting technology generation and dissemination. At Boteco, CCARDESA showcased several initiatives illustrating how digital solutions can empower farmers and boost agricultural productivity:
- Dgroups: A digital platform that promotes knowledge sharing, with over 5,000 subscribers including scientists, students, extension workers, and farmers.
- Capacity Building Initiatives: Workshops focused on cutting-edge digital technologies aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.
- Mobile Learning App and SAAIKS: A one-stop resource for agricultural knowledge, designed for immediate use by SADC member states.
Looking Ahead
As the conference concluded, key takeaways highlighted the transformative role of technology in agriculture:
- 1. Data-Driven Productivity: The future of agriculture will increasingly depend on data analytics for informed decision-making.
- 2. Enhanced Farmer Engagement: Digital platforms will facilitate connections among farmers, promoting community and resource sharing.
- 3. Sustainable Practices: Leveraging technology is crucial for developing climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, essential for ensuring long-term food security.
