Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Digital Agriculture Policies and Strategies for Innovations in the Agrifood Systems: Cases of five West African Countries

Version 1 : Received: 23 April 2023 / Approved: 24 April 2023 / Online: 24 April 2023 (04:13:52 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Degila, J.; Sodedji, F.A.K.; Avakoudjo, H.G.G.; Tahi, S.P.G.; Houetohossou, S.C.A.; Honfoga, A.-C.; Tognisse, I.S.; Assogbadjo, A.E. Digital Agriculture Policies and Strategies for Innovations in the Agri-Food Systems—Cases of Five West African Countries. Sustainability 2023, 15, 9192. Degila, J.; Sodedji, F.A.K.; Avakoudjo, H.G.G.; Tahi, S.P.G.; Houetohossou, S.C.A.; Honfoga, A.-C.; Tognisse, I.S.; Assogbadjo, A.E. Digital Agriculture Policies and Strategies for Innovations in the Agri-Food Systems—Cases of Five West African Countries. Sustainability 2023, 15, 9192.

Abstract

Digital transformation of agriculture can support economic growth and food and nutri-tion security in Africa. This study provides an overview of the status of digital agriculture in five west African countries, analyzing their efforts in developing the enabling environment and inno-vations while formulating recommendations based on the identified gaps for the effective trans-formation of the sector. Information was retrieved through a literature search from various sources, including web pages and databases of national agricultural and digital transformation institutions and start-ups of the five target countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria) and regional/international institutions. There have been increasing agri-digital initia-tives in the five countries, which were grouped into seven categories based on their objectives. Steady progress was also observed in mobile internet adoption, despite the differences in deploy-ing crucial infrastructure to promote digital agriculture. The mobile connectivity index (MCI) in all five countries is below 60. Nonetheless, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire demonstrated more efforts in internet and electricity access, especially in rural areas. Benin and Nigeria have developed sep-arate documents depicting the roadmap for Digital Agriculture, while the other countries are working to create one or have it embedded in their national development plans. Similarities and specificities exist among countries for laws and processes protecting Agri-digital innovators. To be competitive and self-reliant in the global e-economy, these countries must reposition them-selves to accelerate changes in digital agriculture through effective governance and synergy of actions in different sectors and across nations.

Keywords

Industrial; Revolution; digital; agriculture; smallholder farmers; innovations; Africa

Subject

Environmental and Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science and Technology

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