The agricultural landscape in South Africa is experiencing a rapid transformation driven by evolving technologies, says Africa AgriTech Conference & Expo programme director Anlie Hattingh.

While new technologies continue to emerge, the true shift lies in the accelerated pace at which these technologies evolve, reshaping the way farmers and agri-businesses operate.

In conversation with Engineering News, Hattingh says that technologies such as AI, earth observation and bio-intelligence have advanced significantly.

Compared to the rate of technological advancement – at about eight times a year over the past decade – the industry is now facing a rate of change 50 times faster over the next five to ten years, she observes.

For farmers, this rapid pace of change presents opportunities and challenges.

“Farmers are grappling with implementing current technologies in a practical way, but by the time those are in place, the technology has already changed,” Hattingh says, adding that this creates a constant need for adaptation, which can be overwhelming for many businesses.

Businesses are considering ways of integrating technology across the entire agricultural value chain. Hattingh emphasises the importance of aligning technology use across different stages of production, from input suppliers to processors, to ensure efficiency and profitability.

“Technology needs to evolve throughout the entire value chain to keep up with productivity demands.”

Sustainability, biotechnology and automation are also central themes in this technological evolution, especially with a growing focus on reducing carbon footprints.

Technologies such as drone spraying and robotics at abattoirs and farms are already making an impact, but the next wave of innovation is expected to revolutionise the sector even further.

For example, robots that can pick berries based on ripeness are already in development, and it is likely that South African farmers will adopt these technologies in the near future, Hattingh says.

“Our farmers are already among the most competitive globally, despite the lack of government subsidies, and technology is one of the key enablers of their success.”

Precision farming, regenerative agriculture and using biologicals instead of chemical fertilisers are some of the key areas where South African agriculture is adopting “cutting-edge solutions”, she elaborates, pointing out that these advancements are critical in helping South African farmers compete with those in subsidised markets globally.

Since the pandemic, there has been a marked shift in how businesses view technology adoption.

“From 2020 to 2023, the focus was on survival. But now, as businesses regain their footing, they are looking at the next step in their technological journey.”

This shift is evident where processes that once relied on manual labour are now being automated, with disease reporting systems and animal health apps also becoming more commonplace, Hattingh elaborates.

Africa AgriTech

In the wake of this year’s Africa AgriTech Conference, which was held in March, Hattingh highlights the inclusion of international speakers, such as futurists and tech experts, who provided delegates with fresh perspectives on these evolving technologies.

The conference also addressed the way in which technology could support the sector’s long-term sustainability.

With climate change, geopolitical tensions and the need for new export markets, South African farmers will require advanced tools to remain competitive, Hattingh emphasises, enthusing that “technology is essential to maintaining traceability and biosecurity, while increasing yields and sustainability”.

She adds that these advancements will determine whether local farmers can access global markets and continue to drive the country’s agricultural growth.

In addition to showcasing the latest technologies, the conference also aimed to spark lasting conversations among stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.

Hattingh says government’s participation, including representatives from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, might yet help to ensure that policymaking aligns with the sector’s technological needs.

“It’s important that we keep the conversation going beyond the event and foster relationships that have a long-term impact on agriculture in South Africa,” she concludes.