Prime Minister Dr Ngirente Edouard called on African countries to use ICT in agriculture since digital tools and services can help in reducting post-harvest losses whereby digital tools contribute in linking farmers with buyers through awareness and supporting in keeping quality products in warehouses monitored through sensors.

He made this remarks in Ghana’s capital Accra where he represents President Paul Kagame at the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) 2019 that kicked off on wednesday 3^rd September 2019.

Prime Minister pointed out that the current food security situation in Africa is worrying with about 21% of the population with more than 256 million people facing under-nutrition.

He added that ICT has a preeminent place in the strategy being in agricultural input supply, production and commercialization of output.

“The digitalization of processes and information sharing through mobile technologies, the Internet, big data and analytics, as well as drones among others; has proven to play a big role in agriculture transformation.” Said the Prime Minister

“Digital tools can be used in attracting youth in agriculture through social media campaigns. Also, there are job opportunities in the agriculture that the youth can tap in.” The Premier added.

He pointed out that the application of technologies in agriculture results in the increased quality and quantity of food production.

Specific ICT applications help citizens to have access to information related to a better understanding of a balanced diet. He added.

Speaking about mineral fertilisers, Prime Minister noted that Africa should endeavour to apply efficiently mineral fertilizers by using ICT applications to support in educating farmers, in supply chain management, reducing cost and weighing the required quantities to apply according to the soil composition.

He further urged African governments to continue strengthening collaboration with the private sector in order to keep increasing citizen access to digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and creation of relevant digital content.

This African green revolution forum that was themed “Grow Digital: Leveraging Digital Transformation to Drive Sustainable Food Systems in Africa” brought together agriculture stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on how to increase efforts to grow digital as a means to drive sustainable food systems in Africa.