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The use of modern technologies in agriculture is globally on the rise, including in Africa where countries rank among the world’s 33 most water-stressed, according to the World Resources Institute
The use of modern technologies in agriculture is globally on the rise, including in Africa where countries rank among the world’s 33 most water-stressed, according to the World Resources Institute. Keeping that in mind, farmers are using technology to overcome water stress.
The black unmanned aircraft, drone, equipped with a multi-lens camera and sensors, has been enlisted by Tunisian farmers to help adapt to years of drought and erratic weather patterns caused by climate change. RoboCare, the drone seems to provide a meaningful solution to the farmers stressed by water shortage. RoboCare scans the trees from the air and assesses their hydration levels, soil quality and overall health to prevent irreversible damage.
RoboCare, employing about 10 people, is the only company in Tunisia. It was founded by 35-year-old Imen Hbiri. He uses drones to help farmers combat the impacts of climate change and reduce costs, crop losses and water consumption. Farmers can then use medicine-filled sprinklers mounted to the drones to target the sickly plants with more precision and consequently less expense. Farmers can save water consumption by up to 30% and reduce about 20% of the cost of fertilisers and medicine while raising crop production by 30%.
Tunisia is currently experiencing its eighth year of drought in recent years and in the last four years drought has been consecutive. The country’s dams, which are the primary source of drinking water and irrigating crops, are currently almost dry with only 22% water-filled. About 20 dams — mostly located in the south — have gone completely out of service since the reservoirs are dry.
Morocco — where agriculture accounts for 13% of the gross domestic product, 14% of exports and 33% of jobs — also suffered its worst drought in four decades in 2022. Only about 3% of nearly two million Moroccan farmers use new technologies in their fields.
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A study conducted found that those using drones to water crops could use less than 20 litres of water to irrigate one hectare compared to nearly 300 litres used with traditional methods. Algeria’s agriculture ministry said it was using drones and satellite imagery for mapping to optimise the use of agricultural land by evaluating its characteristics and suitability for production
