Alan Kessler, a leading figure in agricultural development and innovation, has issued a bold call for a “digital leap” to drive transformation across Africa’s farming sector. According to Kessler, incremental improvements are no longer sufficient to address the complex and urgent challenges facing farmers across the continent. Instead, he urges stakeholders to embrace a full-scale digital revolution to modernize agriculture and enhance food security.
“Africa doesn’t need a digital step; we need a digital leap. The challenges African farmers face are urgent and complex, and they demand solutions that are scalable, data-driven, and inclusive,” Kessler said during a recent briefing.
Agriculture remains the economic backbone of many African nations, employing over 60 per cent of the population and contributing significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Yet, the sector continues to grapple with low productivity, outdated practices, limited market access, and increasing vulnerability to climate change.
In response, African Food Security (AFS) has developed a comprehensive digital platform to empower farmers with real-time information, training, and decision-making tools. Central to this ecosystem is the 4Crops app, a mobile solution co-developed with European partners and tested over more than a decade through extensive farmer feedback and field application.
“The AFS digital application is a user-friendly ecosystem, developed and tested over more than a decade in Europe through continuous farmer feedback and practical field application. Adaptable to specific crop varieties, country contexts, and local languages, the app integrates AI-powered pest and disease detection, offline functionality, targeted support, digital training, and real-time advisory services—connecting even the most remote farmers to agrifood systems, improving market access, introducing innovative farming techniques, and enabling higher yields through sustainable production. It is now ready for application and scale-up across Africa as a powerful tool to support inclusive agrifood development,” said Edward Meiring, Chief Operating Officer of African Food Security and lead developer of the 4Crops app.
The 4Crops app brings precision agriculture directly to the hands of African farmers. It provides real-time weather alerts, emergency updates, and crop-specific advice based on seasonal conditions. AI-driven pest and disease detection tools trigger alerts and offer step-by-step response guidance. Farmers can also access digital training modules designed to strengthen their skills and decision-making capacity over time. The platform includes a digital extension service for two-way communication with agricultural experts, enabling remote diagnosis and personalized support. Additionally, through the eMarket feature, farmers gain access to pricing information, buyers, and trade opportunities.
This coordinated approach ensures that farmers are better equipped to respond to crises such as locust outbreaks, flooding, or supply chain disruptions, enabling rapid action and business continuity.
Kessler notes that the digital leap is founded on three main pillars: precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, and mobile technology. With the use of GPS, sensors, and drones, farmers can now monitor their fields more accurately, optimize resource usage, and reduce waste. AI and data analytics provide predictive power—spotting early signs of pests and diseases, analyzing weather patterns, and identifying the best planting times to reduce risk. Mobile phones, now widely used across Africa, enable digital platforms like 4Crops to deliver market prices, weather forecasts, financial access, and learning content directly to farmers.
However, Kessler emphasizes that digital tools alone are not enough. Supportive policies, government investment in digital infrastructure, and robust public-private partnerships are essential for scaling these innovations. He called on policymakers to prioritize digital literacy, improve internet connectivity in rural areas, and create regulatory frameworks that protect both innovators and end users.
“Technology can connect even the most remote farmers to agrifood systems, improve market access, and introduce modern, sustainable production methods. This is the moment to leap,” Kessler added.
With population growth, climate variability, and food insecurity continuing to pressure Africa’s food systems, the call for bold action is resonating. Tools like 4Crops are already proving the power of digital innovation to transform lives and livelihoods in farming communities. Kessler’s vision points to a future where agriculture not only feeds the continent but also drives its economic and social progress.
In this transformative journey, Kessler maintains that every stakeholder—from farmers and technologists to investors and governments—has a role to play in shaping a resilient and prosperous agricultural future for Africa.
