The digital divide in African agriculture is threatening to prevent millions of smallholder farmers from benefiting from advances in artificial intelligence and other agricultural technologies, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The FAO estimates that fewer than 10% of African farmers currently have access to digital agricultural services, despite the growing use of AI and data-driven technologies across the sector.

Connectivity Remains a Major Barrier

Poor internet connectivity, inadequate infrastructure and limited digital skills continue to restrict technology adoption among small-scale farmers.

This creates a significant challenge for Africa’s agricultural transformation. While larger commercial farms can increasingly invest in advanced technologies, many smallholder farmers remain disconnected from the digital tools that could improve productivity and incomes.

AI is already being used to provide information on weather conditions, crop health and market prices, potentially helping farmers make faster and better-informed decisions.

AI Could Transform Agricultural Support

The FAO says emerging technologies, particularly generative AI, could help overcome some of the information challenges facing African agriculture.

AI systems can combine information from irrigation equipment, remote sensors and satellites to create a more comprehensive picture of farming conditions.

That information can then be processed rapidly and converted into practical guidance for agricultural extension officers working directly with farmers.

For farmers facing unpredictable rainfall, changing weather patterns and rising input costs, timely information could make a significant difference.

Closing Africa’s Agricultural Technology Gap

However, technology alone will not solve Africa’s agricultural challenges.

Governments and private-sector investors will need to expand rural connectivity, improve electricity and digital infrastructure, provide affordable technology and strengthen digital skills among farmers.

The focus must also remain on accessibility. If advanced agricultural technologies are available only to large commercial producers, the digital transformation could deepen existing inequalities within the sector.

For African agriculture, closing the digital divide will therefore be just as important as developing the technology itself.

With the right investment, AI and digital services could help millions of smallholder farmers improve productivity, manage climate risks and gain better access to markets—turning technology into a practical tool for Africa’s agricultural transformation.