Enhancing Farmers’ Uptake of Digital Technologies – Farmer Globale’s Partnership with CSIR-STEPRI
At Farmer Globale, we believe that the future of agriculture lies in innovation, technology, and data-driven solutions. To realize this vision, we partnered with the Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI), a leading arm of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to launch the groundbreaking research initiative titled Enhancing Farmers’ Uptake of Digital Technologies through Empirical Research, Innovation, and Policy Intervention (EFUDTRIPI) Project.
This ambitious project aimed at increasing access to and the use of digital technologies by both small- and large-scale farmers across Ghana. We set out to study the current level of digital adoption, exploring the role that new technologies play in enhancing agricultural productivity and income. As digital transformation reshapes industries worldwide, our goal was to ensure that Ghanaian farmers are not left behind.
Key Focus Areas of the EFUDTRIPI Project
Assessment of Digital Technology Usage Through our collaboration with STEPRI, we sought to evaluate how farmers in Ghana are engaging with digital innovations such as mobile applications, drones, precision farming tools, and ICT platforms for real-time information exchange. By conducting empirical research on the adoption rates and usage patterns, we gathered crucial data to understand the barriers and opportunities in the adoption of digital technologies.
Impact on Agricultural Productivity and Income Digital solutions have the potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector, offering better crop management, early warning systems, and data-driven decision-making. One of the core objectives of this research was to assess the impact of these technologies on farmers’ productivity and, more importantly, how they translated into higher income levels for farmers. This also extended to the increased income generation for ICT4Ag service providers, ensuring that the entire ecosystem thrives.
Development of Data Collection Tools The project also involved the development of comprehensive data collection tools, including detailed questionnaires and digital surveys, designed to capture farmers’ interactions with technology. To ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of the data, a team of enumerators was trained to conduct interviews and gather insights from both smallholder and large-scale farmers.
Policy Dialogue and Innovation for the Future Upon the completion of the research, the findings were synthesized into a working document. This research has not only provided critical insights into the current state of digital technology uptake but has also contributed to shaping the future of agricultural policy in Ghana. In 2023, we hosted a policy dialogue workshop, where stakeholders, including government agencies, technology providers, and farmers, reviewed the research outcomes and adopted the findings as a foundation for policy interventions aimed at boosting the digitalization of agriculture in Ghana.
A Future Driven by Innovation and Collaboration
Farmer Globale is committed to building strong partnerships that drive innovation and promote sustainability in agriculture. Our collaboration with CSIR-STEPRI through the EFUDTRIPI Project underscores our dedication to helping farmers access the best technologies and tools available, empowering them to increase their productivity and incomes.
We’re excited to continue working towards our vision of a future where digital technologies are an integral part of every farmer’s toolkit, fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods for farmers across Ghana.
Stay tuned as we keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in agriculture through innovation, technology, and collaboration.
