AI in Small-Scale Farming: Challenges and Recommendations

Monday, June 12, 2023

Small-scale farming operations face unique challenges in adopting and benefiting from artificial intelligence (AI) tools, compared to their larger counterparts. While large-scale farms dominate global food production, it is important to recognize that smallholder farms, accounting for 83% of all farmers, contribute nearly 35% of the world's food production.

However, smallholder farmers often lack the technical skills and financial resources needed to effectively utilize AI technologies.

A recent research brief emphasizes the urgent need to address this issue and bring smallholder farmers to the forefront of AI innovation in agriculture. The lack of technical expertise poses a significant barrier, as smallholder farmers struggle to understand and utilize the available data from AI applications. Additionally, limited capital resources hinder the adoption of technologies like precision agriculture, which can improve profitability and sustainability.

To overcome these challenges, the South Dakota State research team proposes several recommendations. Firstly, standards of transparency should be enforced for AI models used in farming applications, ensuring accountability and fairness. Market regulation is another crucial aspect, promoting competition and preventing the concentration of power in the hands of a few developers.

Moreover, education and extension services are vital in closing the technology gap. Providing smallholder farmers with information and training on AI technologies tailored to their operations can enhance their understanding and adoption rates.

In summary, enabling smallholder farmers to harness the benefits of AI in agriculture requires addressing the unique challenges they face. By implementing policy measures focused on transparency, market regulation, and education, we can ensure that AI-driven innovations in farming reach all stakeholders, promoting a more equitable and sustainable future for the agricultural sector.

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