WESTERN CAPE NEWS - New research done by the University of Stellenbosch has revealed how the Western Cape's agricultural sector can harness water-saving technology, drones, genetic development and robotics to develop the industry, contribute to food security and create new jobs in emerging fields.
The report, prepared by researchers at the Stellenbosch University School of Business, studied the potential impact of the "Fourth Industrial Revolution" on farming in the Western Cape.
This revolution refers not only to the development and use of digital technologies, but also how these interact across the digital and physical realms.Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde said, "I'm pleased with the research finding that there is room to create new jobs and retrain people for future skills. Currently, the average age of an artisan in this province is 60. We need to change that so young people have the skills and the knowledge that will equip them to be the drone pilots, food technologists, coders, and developers that the Fourth Industrial Revolution will require."
The research has found that there is potential to create new careers, and scope to train and up-skill people to work with technology. Big data, artificial intelligence, precision farming and automation will all become prominent technologies in the future that will contribute to optimisation, efficiency, quality, sustainability and resilience.
What the Department of Agriculture should be doing
The Department of Agriculture (DoA) should, together with tertiary institutions, work to develop curricula to include theory and skills relating to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Technology should be accelerated and more available and affordable, especially to small-scale farmers, through sharing schemes, financing and other opportunities to ensure that a "digital divide" does not develop.
Working with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, the DoA should facilitate access to title deeds or other forms of collatera. Talent should be attracted and the development of agricultural entrepreneurs encouraged.
Consumers
In the future, consumers should be given more information about the source and nutritional value of their food; ethical farming practices, and scope for the development of environmentally friendly packaging, as well as freshness indicators on packaging.
Drought
Among the key trends identified by the researchers was the impact of climate change, particularly on water availability and management. The Western Cape is currently experiencing a drought that has severely impacted the agricultural sector. As a water-stressed region, the sustainability of this resource will be increasingly important in future.
The development of smart water technologies now and into the future will impact food security as well as product prices.
Winde said, "It's up to us to ensure that we're making the most of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, because it's important for food security across the region. Key to ensuring an agricultural renaissance will be collaboration between various players and sectors to ensure that they are able to develop and grow together. We need to join the dots between agriculture, health, education and the private sector. We are home to some amazing fintech developments and we should be harnessing those skills and ideas in agriculture."
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