NEC Africa has launched a strategic agricultural digitization initiative in Côte d’Ivoire, in collaboration with the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Production. The project is designed to enhance farming efficiency and stabilize food production through targeted digital interventions.

Tackling Input Shortages and Sector Vulnerability

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Côte d’Ivoire’s economy, contributing approximately 30% to national GDP and employing half the population. Yet, global disruptions — including conflict, climate shocks, and pandemics — have driven up the cost of essential inputs like seeds and fertilizers. This has left many farmers unable to secure adequate supplies, posing a serious threat to national food security.

Digital Infrastructure for Equitable Input Distribution

To address these challenges, NEC Africa is deploying its biometric-based e-Voucher system, which uses ID cards and smartphones to track the distribution and usage history of agricultural inputs. The system ensures:

• Transparent and traceable supply chains
• Prevention of coupon misuse
• Fair access to seeds and fertilizers for registered farmers

CropScope Platform: Mapping and Monitoring 30,000 Hectares

NEC will also implement its CropScope agricultural ICT platform, which will digitize 30,000 hectares of farmland. The platform will compile structured data on field locations, sizes, and crop types, enabling:

• Real-time crop growth monitoring
• Streamlined field inspections by agricultural advisors

Smart Advisory for Fertilization and Harvest Timing

CropScope will further support farmers with intelligent advisory functions, offering data-driven recommendations on:

• Optimal fertilization schedules
• Harvest timing
• Yield stabilization strategies

Funding and Strategic Collaboration

The project is financed through a co-funding arrangement between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the African Development Bank, under a 2022 emergency food security loan to the Ivorian government. NEC emphasized its commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships to promote sustainable agriculture across developing regions.