Name: Fields of Innovation: 4IR opportunities for agriculture in Africa
Start: 2024-09-25T07:00:00-0400
End: 2024-09-25T09:15:00-0400

SCIENCE SUMMIT 2024: 17 - 27 September, New York

This Programme exclusively outlines the Science Summit events in New York from September 17th to 27th.
Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.
For those attending in person, please choose the in-person attendance option on the registration form so we can issue your pass.
For virtual attendees, once registered, you can join sessions by clicking at the circular checkbox icon next to each session on the event platform. Please ensure you select the sessions you wish to attend, as failure to do so will prevent access to the live stream.
You can customize your experience by creating your own schedule based on the sessions you are interested in.

Wednesday September 25, 2024 7:00am - 9:15am EDT

TBA

This session will explore how Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) tools could reshape agriculture across the continent, focusing on empowering smallholder farmers. The opportunities of digital agriculture are vast: from in-field agronomic practices enhanced by artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to more sophisticated supply chains and smarter policymaking. We aim to highlight scalable, innovative solutions that bridge the gap between traditional farming methods and new technologies to increase yields, incomes, and sustainability. The discussion will range from advanced agronomic practices enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), entrepreneurial aspects, to improvements in supply chain management through digital solutions and policy support. Invited experts will cover the full value chain from seed to plate. By advancing sustainable food production, we directly work towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger, while also supporting SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

The scientific and technological areas of focus include:
Data Intensive Farm Management (DIFM): Advanced in-field practices using AI and IoT, including farmer-driven trials and precision farming techniques that tailor the application of nutrients and water to the needs of individual parts of the field.
Internet of Things example: soil water sensors: This is a discussion on the deployment and scaling up of technologies like inexpensive Chameleon soil water sensors that help farmers make informed decisions regarding irrigation, a critical aspect in regions facing water scarcity.

Supply chain enhancements: Case studies from Malawi, Ethiopia, and Kenya demonstrate how digital technologies can streamline supply chains, reduce losses, improve market access, and increase profitability for all stakeholders involved.
Technopreneurship: The role of entrepreneurs in integrating digital technologies into the agricultural value chains, thereby fostering an ecosystem that supports innovation and technology adoption.
Policy and governance: Strategies for encouraging the adoption of 4IR technologies at the governmental level, creating policies that facilitate the modernization of agriculture, protect farmer interests, and promote sustainability.
Invitation to stakeholders

This session invites a broad spectrum of stakeholders to share ideas and identify collaboration opportunities on future initiatives that harness the power of technology in agriculture.

Speakers

Convenor Michael van der Laan

Agricultural Research Council

Michael van der Laan is a Specialist Researcher in the Agricultural Research Council’s Water Science division. He completed his PhD on modelling non-point source nutrient pollution from agriculture, and then joined the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) for two and... Read More →

Prof David Bullock

University of Illinois

David S. Bullock is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois. He studies the economics of agricultural technology and information and has published research on precision agriculture technology since 1998. He is the Principal... Read More →

Dr Richard Stirzaker

CSIRO

Dr Richard Stirzaker works with CSIRO Agriculture and Food and developed the Virtual Irrigation Academy with the support of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.The Virtual Irrigation Academy team have developed a suite of soil water and solute monitoring... Read More →

Mrs Marion Delport

Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP)

Mr Ramakgwale (Klaas) Mampholo

Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Prof Osden Jokonya

University of the Western Cape

Professional Background: Professor Osden Jokonya is an academic and NRF C2-rated researcher at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in South Africa. With a career spanning over two decades in both academia and the IT industry, Jokonya has established himself as a researcher in... Read More →

Wednesday September 25, 2024 7:00am - 9:15am EDT
TBA

Agriculture

Attendees (11)

Science Summit 2024