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The Ethiopian government has officially introduced the Digital Agriculture Roadmap (DAR), a national initiative designed to enhance the digital transformation of the agricultural sector. This plan, developed by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), will be implemented from 2025 to 2032.
The authorities aim to boost agricultural productivity by providing inclusive, accessible, and sustainable digital solutions. According to Agriculture Minister Girma Amente, this strategy will enable access to agricultural extension services via smartphones, enhance the availability of inputs, improve financial services like agricultural loans and insurance, and foster better coordination among stakeholders throughout the entire value chain, from production to marketing.
The DAR will be rolled out in two phases: the first phase from 2025 to 2029 will focus on establishing essential digital infrastructure and developing key agricultural services, while the second phase from 2030 to 2032 will aim to expand and diversify the digital ecosystem within the sector.
However, the digitization of agriculture in Ethiopia faces significant challenges, including limited connectivity and a lack of digital skills, which may impede the adoption of new technologies. A report by the Global Mobile Phone Association (GSMA) in October 2024 highlighted that 76% of Ethiopians still do not use mobile internet, with smartphone penetration at only 36%. Additionally, the GSMA assessed that the population’s proficiency in basic digital skills is only 41 out of 100.
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Agricultural production in Africa continues to encounter numerous obstacles that hinder the continent’s pursuit of food self-sufficiency. Just as mechanization transformed industries during the industrial revolution, digital technology in the current 4.0 revolution holds significant promise for revolutionizing agriculture. Ethiopia is committed to pursuing this transformation through its ambitious strategy.
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