Potential of Artificial Intelligence for Food Security in Nigeria and South Africa Investigated
A study by Lere Amusan and Adetayo Sowale examines the impact of artificial intelligence on food security in Nigeria and South Africa. The research emphasizes that technological solutions must be adapted to the infrastructure and socioeconomic realities of the countries.
Researchers Lere Amusan and Adetayo Sowale have examined the potential of artificial intelligence technologies to enhance food security in Nigeria and South Africa through a comparative analysis.
Covering data from 2015 to 2025, the study reveals that while artificial intelligence has the potential to strengthen food security in both countries, implementation processes differ. In Nigeria, due to the prevalence of small-scale farming and an agricultural yield gap exceeding 76 percent, artificial intelligence is viewed as a tool to increase productivity and ensure financial inclusion.
In South Africa, thanks to advanced telecommunications infrastructure and commercial agricultural enterprises, artificial intelligence is utilized for resource efficiency and logistics optimization. According to research data, the adoption rate of precision agriculture technologies in South Africa is between 30-40 percent, while in Nigeria, this rate remains below 10 percent due to electricity and connectivity issues.
Assessment: The authors conclude that unless supported by public investments and fair governance mechanisms, algorithmic tools carry the risk of deepening existing social and economic inequalities.
Sources
- bioengineer.org · Link