Why Agriculture In Africa Needs More Hardware Solutions?

We can now agree that it's beyond the app in Albkebulan.

Customized solutions based on hardware innovation are needed to sustainably transform traditional agriculture and blend it with technology.

Over the years,

I have been asking myself why many agri-tech solutions in Africa are struggling to achieve product-market fit.

Even my Agritech startup is struggling too..

But It is very common to see a fintech bro or edtech startup break even in a month and the founder collects Vc mulla day and night.

But when it comes to Agtech startups, it's a different story.

But now, I understand.

We are trying to solve future problems while we live in the present.

Agriculture always involves tangible processes like planting, harvesting, and irrigation, which heavily rely on hardware innovation.

From my point of view.

Hardware innovation in agriculture deserves prioritization over software innovation due to the foundational nature of physical infrastructure in Africa's farming practices and culture.

Also, it provides the physical tools and infrastructure required to translate data and insights into real-world agricultural progress.

Both approaches are good but in Africa, hardware solutions act as a bridge to deploy software solutions. Then later you integrate for more efficiency.

You may ask how.

Well, We're into the third industrial revolution,

The core of the third industrial revolution is the analysis of vast amounts of data. So, Agritech hardware plays a role by collecting this data from fields.

Sensors,

Drones,

and other innovative equipment to help farmers gain insights that can inform decisions about planting, fertilization, pest control etc.

But the reason I'm writing this article is I've seen Over-reliance on software solutions

like mobile apps,

However, physical tools that are necessary to address real-world agricultural challenges are very crucial.

Why More Effort Into Hardware Innovation is Needed?

Reason No. 1:

Africa is scattered when it comes to internet connectivity, It's hard to get an internet connection in every area.

Thanks to Mr Elon Musk for Startlink..

For that factor, prioritization of hardware innovation is a must.

They can function independently or with minimal connectivity.

Also, think about data disconnect..

Many Agtech apps can provide valuable data on weather, market prices, or soil conditions,

Yet, they often struggle to translate that data into actionable steps without the appropriate hardware.

Let's say, An app suggesting optimal fertilizer application is useless without a mechanism (hardware) to accurately measure and distribute the fertilizer in the field.

You got me?

Sadly In Africa, I've seen Agtech software solutions that focus on Information, Not Implementation. Many software solutions excel at information gathering and analysis.

However, they cannot physically manipulate the environment or automate tasks.

So,

This gap between "Knowing" and "Doing" is where hardware innovation plays a crucial role in Agriculture.

Reason No 2

The physical Nature of Agriculture in Africa is often characterized by smallholder farmers, subsistence agriculture, and varied agroecological zones.

Hardware innovations directly address the physical demands of farming, such as Manual labour,

Lack of machinery,

and the need for efficient irrigation and waste reduction.

To improve the efficiency of these physical activities, innovative equipment is essential for overall productivity.

How you can utilize all these resources in African land through software?

It is not possible

at the same time that hardware innovations can directly impact resource utilization,

Smart irrigation systems, precision farming equipment, and sensor-based technologies contribute to resource efficiency and ensure sustainability.

Reason No: 3

Think about the socioeconomic impact on farmers.

Yes, affordable machinery and equipment can contribute significantly to poverty alleviation by creating income-generating opportunities for smallholder farmers.

Apart from the land, farmers need to own something else valuable.

Owning equipment means farmers can now offer services like tilling or planting to other farmers and creating additional income streams.

This has a direct and positive socioeconomic impact on rural communities.

Reason No:4

Another reason why Africa needs hardware innovation is the issue of

Post-harvest Loss.

It's hard to solve this problem with a 100% hardware solution.

Currently, A huge challenge in African agriculture is post-harvest loss due to poor storage and handling and a lack of value addition types of equipment. Im talking about solar dryers and the stuff alike.

37 per cent of food produced in Sub-Saharan Africa is lost between production, storage and consumption. This is where the trick is..

So, Innovative storage solutions, like cost-effective cold rooms, sensors for monitoring crop health, and tools for minimizing spoilage during transport would make a big difference.

But first infrastructure is needed to make them run smoothly, Then software will help to optimize the data to increase efficiency.

Reason No: 5

Climate Challenges.

Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change, with increased droughts and unpredictable weather patterns.

Hardware solutions for drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation systems, and real-time weather monitoring are needed to improve yields.

But here is the trick.

We need to first address the cost and accessibility challenges.

All in all Hardware solutions for drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation, and real-time weather monitoring offer a promising path for African farmers to adapt to climate change and build climate-resilient agriculture.

Thanks for reading.

Cana.