By BUUMBA CHIMBULUZAMBIAN farmers are missing out on AgriTech innovations that can supercharge the agriculture sector with opportunities for the youth.The country’s agriculture sector continues to grapple with low productivity, lack of access to financing, innovation and technology even as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to exert toll on social and economic activities nationwide.This is according to a report survey conducted by Heifer International, a global non-profit organisationThe report surveyed 29,900 youths, 299 smallholder farmers and 110 agriculture technology startups, innovation hubs and technology organizations in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.“While there are a wide range of agritech innovations that could propel Zambia’s (and African) farmers to profitability, only 23 percent of youth engaged in agriculture are using any form of agricultural technology,” the report stated.Commenting on the report, Adesuwa Ifedi, senior vice president for Africa Programmes at Heifer International, said Africa was not providing the financing or training […]
FARMERS NEED AGRO TECHNOLOGY – HEIFER
